Where is the Songkran water festival held?

Where is the Songkran water festival held?

Thailand
Inside Thailand’s April New Year celebrations. On 13 April, Thailand celebrates its New Year with the world’s wettest festival, Songkran.

How is the Songkran festival celebrated?

In several cities across the country, locals celebrate the Songkran festival by splashing water over themselves with a word of blessing. Most young Thai people use pump-action water guns and pump buckets to soak themselves up. This water festival is one of the most loved and popular events in Thailand.

How long has Songkran been celebrated?

Songkran has ancient Sanskrit origins. Sanskrit is an ancient language dating back 3,500 years. Songkran means to “step into” or “enter.” As the sun moves into new astrological signs, it signifies the beginning of a new year.

Why is the Songkran festival important?

The Thai government has declared Songkran festival as extended public holidays to enable the people to return to their hometown for family reunions, merit-making and reuniting with others in their community. The 13th of April is also declared the Day of the Senior or Elderly by the government.

Is Songkran a Buddhist festival?

Thais are celebrating this year’s Songkran festival, also known as the Buddhist New Year. The festival, held between 13 and 15 April in Thailand, is also celebrated in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.

What is the famous festival in Thailand?

Songkran. It is the most popular festival in Thailand. Although there are several other popular festivals in Thailand to be found, which we discuss in this article. But Songkran, which is Thai New Year, is being held all over the country, for several days and in some parts of Thailand, even for more than a week.

What is the story behind Songkran?

The origins derive from the ancient Indian Festival of Makar Sankriti. The Indian version recognizes the suns celestial path and Thai translates the version recognizing the passing of an old year into a new one. History of the festival traditions originate with the blessings and prayers for Buddhist Monks.

Why do people throw water on Songkran?

Thais are celebrating this year’s Songkran festival, also known as the Buddhist New Year. In this image, people sprinkle scented water over a Buddha statue. Throwing water is meant to wash away bad luck from the previous year.

What are the festivals in Thailand?

Loi Krathong (Thai: ลอยกระทง, pronounced [lɔ̄ːj krā.tʰōŋ]) is a Siamese festival celebrated annually throughout the Kingdom of Thailand and in nearby countries with significant southwestern Tai cultures (Laos, Shan, Mon, Tanintharyi, Kelantan , Kedah and Xishuangbanna ).

What is Thai Pongal festival?

Thai Pongal. Thai Pongal Festival. Pongal festival also known as the harvest festival is commemorated to hail the Sun god for his immense blessings and bounties. Adding to it animals which were with the farmers and help them to harvest their crops are also revered. Month of celebration: Pongal is a harvest festival in Tamil Nadu.

What is the Water Festival?

The Water Festival is the New Year’s celebrations that take place in East Asian countries such as China and Taiwan, and Southeast Asian nations such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.