Songkran is more than just throwing water

Songkran, the Thai New Year, begins on April 13 and lasts three days. Of all the festivals, the traditional Thai New Year is the most fun to celebrate. Both Thai and foreign tourists are in a festive mood. Many people know Songkran mainly from the water fight. Yet Songkran is much more than that.

'Suk-San Wan Songkran' or Happy New Year. Songkran is originally meant to honor Buddha and ask for a good rainy season with a bountiful harvest. Thai people clean their house, parents and grandparents are thanked and respectfully honored and it's time for good deeds.

On the first day of Songkran, Thais go to the temple to give alms to the monks. With this they perform the first good deed of the new year, it is important for Thai to start the year well. Another way to earn merit during Songkran is by releasing fish and birds. When you give an animal its freedom, it is a merit that positively influences your karma.

In many cities there are parades of colorful floats during Songkran. Just before the parade there is also a Miss and Mister election. The winners are then allowed to participate in the parade.

Before the party starts, it is tradition to return to the house where you were born. Children show respect to elders and grandparents by pouring water over their hands. Thais can do this to anyone older than themselves and especially to people they respect or want to thank, such as teachers or other family members.

At the temples there are ceremonies where rose water is poured over Buddha statues and over the hands of monks.

Another traditional activity during Songkran is making sand pagodas. In these local competitions, families compete for the honor of making the most beautiful sand pagoda.

As you can read, Songkran is more than just hitting the road with a water pistol.