Thailand to observe Songkran, traditional festival to celebrate New Year

In Thailand, locals celebrate the traditional new year in April with fun water activities and family reunions

Thailand to observe Songkran, traditional festival to celebrate New Year
Thailand to observe Songkran, traditional festival to celebrate New Year

Songkran, Thailand's annual New Year festival marks the start of the traditional Thai New Year.

Derived from ancient Sanskrit, the word is used to describe the monthly movement within the zodiac, and is celebrated from April 13 to April 15.

The locals take a break from work and join their families to reconnect and spend couple of relaxing days at home.

In 2023, UNESCO added Songkran to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, as it described the festivities noting, "Pouring water is a significant act during Songkran, symbolising cleansing, reverence, and good fortune."

During the festival, cities streets are closed as public enjoys massive water fights everywhere from Bangkok to Thailand's historic city of Chiang Mai.

Water is big part of the whole celebration as it is believed to wash away sins and bring in good fortune.

Following the success of The White Lotus season 3, which was filmed in Thailand, and featured Songkran during an episode, many people from west have shown their interest in the fun yet spiritual event of the year.

On the other hand, as the whole country has joined in on the lighthearted activities, the number of fatal accidents sees a huge influx during this period, especially incidents involving drunk driving.

Along with that, to dodge any damage during the water festival, it is recommended to put all the belongings in a waterproof pouch and to wear goggles or large transparent glasses to avoid eye irritation.

Read more : World
Scorching heatwave pose risks to eastern north america, millions under health alerts
Scorching heatwave pose risks to eastern north america, millions under health alerts
People are recommended to avoid direct sunlight exposure to avoid complications, drink plenty of water, more
Jeff Bezos-Sanchez wedding venue change: Protesters mark 'enormous victory'
Jeff Bezos-Sanchez wedding venue change: Protesters mark 'enormous victory'
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding venue changed after widespread protests
Brazilian tourist found dead in Indonesia after volcano fall
Brazilian tourist found dead in Indonesia after volcano fall
Brazilian tourist Juliana Marins falls to death in Indonesia's active volcano
Thailand bans tourists from visiting Cambodia amid ongoing border dispute
Thailand bans tourists from visiting Cambodia amid ongoing border dispute
Thailand's Bhumjaithai party plans no-confidence vote against PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra after call leak
500 bird species to vanish from the skies within century
500 bird species to vanish from the skies within century
Researchers have asked for urgent conservative efforts to tackle the threats to the ecosystems
Rescue efforts underway for Brazilian tourist on Indonesia's active volcano
Rescue efforts underway for Brazilian tourist on Indonesia's active volcano
A Brazilian tourist fell in the active volcano on the island of Lombok during a hike
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's wedding: All about the divisive Venice nuptial
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's wedding: All about the divisive Venice nuptial
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's upcoming wedding ceremony has received serious backlash from Venice locals
California waterfall tragedy: 3 men die after jumping into water during hike
California waterfall tragedy: 3 men die after jumping into water during hike
3 hikers found dead after the adventure of jumping into California waterfall turns deadly
Florida man to be executed after three decades for raping and killing woman
Florida man to be executed after three decades for raping and killing woman
A Florida man sexually assaulted and murdered a woman outside a bar thirty years ago
US Supreme Court clears way for Trump's controversial deportation plan
US Supreme Court clears way for Trump's controversial deportation plan
Donald Trump's plan to deport migrants to third countries gets green light from the Supreme Court
Bears feast on week's worth of honey after escaping UK enclosure
Bears feast on week's worth of honey after escaping UK enclosure
Mish and Lucy usually eat kilos of fruits, berries, vegetables, seeds, fish and meat every day
Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez’s Venice wedding faces last-minute changes after protests
Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez’s Venice wedding faces last-minute changes after protests
The wedding celebrations will likley cost between $15million and $20 million