Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year. In Thai culture, it is the time for those who celebrate Songkran to travel back to their home towns for family reunions. Songkran is also known worldwide as the Thai Water Festival.
Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year. In Thai culture, it is the time for those who celebrate Songkran to travel back to their home towns for family reunions. Songkran is also known worldwide as the Thai Water Festival.
Songkran is pronounced “Sonk-kraan”. The word ‘Songkran’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘samkranti’, which means ‘astrological passage’.
Songkran is celebrated in mid- April and lasts for 3 days, usually from April 13 to April 15.
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On the first day, the Thais perform the Rod Nam Dum Hua ritual, which is officially the National Elderly Day. During the ritual, young people will pour fragrant water onto the elders’ palms as a gesture of humility and seek their blessings.
The second day is the National Family Day where families would wake up early and give alms to the monks, then ideally spending quality time with the family for the rest of the day.
On the 3rd and final day, Thais continue to carry out good deeds such as giving offerings to monks and families unite together and put more emphasis on visiting their elders to pay respect and ask for blessings.
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An important religious ritual during Songkran is ‘Bathing the Buddha’, in which Buddhists pour fragrant water over Buddha statues both at the temple and at home. It is believed that water is spiritually purifying as it cleanses away bad luck and grievances from the previous year and brings blessings of fortune and happiness for the year ahead.
A significantly important festival to Thai people, Songkran is also popular to visitors and tourists. Anyone and everyone can join in the fun. Since this is a water festival, get ready to be soaked! Get ready to be wet from head to toe!
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People celebrate by splashing one another with buckets, water hoses, water pistols, water guns and even water bottles! Anything they can get their hands on! Water throwing, water splashing all for spiritual cleansing and wishes for good luck and good fortune.
Songkran is celebrated in Malaysia as well as other parts of Asia including Vietnam, Cambodia and China. Each country has its own unique rituals and celebrations.
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So before you intend to get wet, why not come check out FaveKad’s festive and fun splashing Songkran ecards for your loved ones and friends?