TAT says that traditionally, Songkran is a time for the Thai to express their gratitude and spiritual devotion for the new year
With under two weeks to go, hectic preparations are underway to mark
Songkran, a major cultural festival in Thailand which ushers the traditional Thai New Year. The cultural significance of Songkran is such that it was recently awarded the prestigious status of an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO.
In a press statement, the Tourism Authority of Thailand says that the grand festival, much like Holi, that will be celebrated from April 11-15, brings communities together and attracts many Indian travellers due to its familiar charm. Water is used for celebration instead of colours. The act of splashing water holds deep symbolic meaning, representing physical cleansing and spiritual renewal.
This also forms a major highlight for travellers from around the world who visit Thailand to experience ‘the greatest water fighting event on the planet!’ TAT says that the cultural festival is a big tourism highlight too as every year visitors from all around the world gather to witness it first-hand.
TAT says that traditionally, Songkran is a time for the Thai to express their gratitude and spiritual devotion for the new year. Families are seen making offerings of food and floral garlands at the temples and praying for the longevity of their elders. The celebration also includes community events, colourful parades, and larger-than-life cultural performances held across the kingdom.
Where to witness
TAT says that tourists can generally partake in water fights and fairs in almost every major town and city in Thailand. The “Maha Songkran World Water Festival” in Bangkok from April 11 to 15 will including Khon masked drama and Nora dance drama, which have been recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage performing arts.
The statement adds that a major highlight of this event will be the ‘Maha Songkran Parade’ with 20 grand processions and more than 1,000 performers, which will depart from Phan Fa Lilat Bridge and make its final stop at Sanam Luang.
Following the Maha Songkran Parade are distinctive Songkran traditions of 16 provinces, including Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Chon Buri, Samut Prakan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chiang Rai, Nong Khai, Phitsanulok, Songkhla, Buri Ram, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Phanom, Lampang, Loei, Sukhothai and Phuket. The remaining processions will feature attractions on Thailand’s fashion, games, films and series and festivals.
In the Water Zone, travellers can find a host of exhilarating splash activities, including a musical dancing fountain, water tunnel, gigantic wading pool, and water station. Visitors will also have a chance to buy local products and souvenirs from vendors converging from different parts of the kingdom at the festival fair while beholding a drone show.
The statement adds that entire event is poised to be broadcast globally, allowing people all around the world to witness Songkran, a vibrant part of Thailand’s rich culture.
