While the rest of the world has already welcomed the New Year with celebrations last February for the Chinese and the first of January for everyone following the Gregorian calendar— Thailand celebrates theirs in April. Called Songkran, which literally translates to “astronomical passage,” this festival commemorating the traditional Thai New Year’s Day is celebrated from April 13 to 15 of each year.
Unlike the raucous fireworks that usually accompany such important dates, it is with a bucketing twist that the holiday is celebrated in this Southeast Asian Buddhist kingdom. Apart from spending the days feasting with family, the entire country also turns into the world’s biggest water fight as locals splash themselves and others as a symbol purification and a fresh, clean start. But this Thai holiday is not just about the H20 — there are many ways to spend the occasion. Here are the best ways to celebrate Songkran by the four elements.
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Water may be the most prominent element during Songkran, but there is more to this famous Thai festival than just getting soaked. Apart from water rituals, the earth also plays an important part in this three-day holiday. In some parts of Thailand, most notably Bangkok’s Sanam Luang and the northern province of Chiang Mai, people take part in Pra Chedi Sai, an activity where the locals bring sand into temples to create sand pagodas. As a finishing touch, joss sticks are placed on the sand pagoda, or chedi, so families and friends gather around for prayers.
Water
What would Songkran be without its water fights? Indeed, one of the major things that both locals and tourists alike look forward to about the Thai New Year is the water gun fight that happens all across the country. For three days (or, sometimes, up to a whole week), revelers throw buckets of water at each other or use water guns (which are easily available all over the country around this time). If you are up for a water fight, the best places to spend your Songkran would be in Chiang Mai or Bangkok, especially Silom, Khao San Road or the Phra Pradaeng district. Don’t forget to come prepared with your own water bucket or blaster!
Of course, this playful water-throwing display is not only about fun and games. The act of splashing water actually symbolizes washing off all the misfortunes, as well as the bad luck, of the past year. The act actually originated from the practice of pouring water over statues of Buddha at home and in temples, as well as the hands of monks and the elderly for good luck.
Fire
The element of fire appears in three Songkran activities. First, there is the involvement of firefighters. During recent Songkran celebrations, firefighters have been seen joining in the fun around Silom in Bangkok, where they have been seen soaking partiers with their fire hoses, so keep your eye out for that if you are planning on celebrating in the area.
Secondly, fire, of course, represents the spicy Thai cuisine that leaves your mouth burning — but in a good way. Its cuisine is one of Thailand’s biggest draws, and during Songkran, you’ll find numerous local restaurants and street vendors offering seasonal treats, as well as special menus. Among the hottest must-tries are Tom Yam soup and the notoriously fiery (thanks to a ton of bird’s eye chili) Thai pepper steak called Neua Pad Prik.
Air
After all the water fights, there is no better way to dry off during Songkran than at one of its breathtaking beaches. First, cool down in your very own pool (Koh Samui and Phuket are home to a number of luxurious resorts and pool villas) or in the beach’s turquoise waters, and then let the island’s fresh air do its work.
If you are in Thailand’s capital, however, go out and enjoy the warm summer breeze by taking part in one of the walking or bicycle tours, which Thailand’s tourism authority usually organizes during Songkran.
Main image: istockphoto/Kevin Landwer-Johan
