Songkran Festival is the Thai traditional new year. Songkran is a Thai word which means “move” or “change place”. It is also know as the “ Water Festival”. People believe that water will wash away bad luck.
A long time ago, people thought that the summer was the best time to start a new year. Because the farmers had just finished harvesting, and the winner had just passed. They thought that all plants would stop growing , and the cold weather made life uncomfortable. Then, they celebrated a new year in the summer. Thailand changed new year to the same day with other countries since 1940 but it still keeps this day for Thai new year.
Songkran starts on April 13 to 15 every year. At this time, people from the rural areas who are working in the city usually return home to celebrate with their family.
The Songkran tradition is a valuable custom for the Thai community, society and religions. Members in a family respect the elders by pouring scented water into the hands of their parents and grandparents, give some gifts and say sorry for something bad that they did. The elders will return wishes to youngsters for good luck and prosperity.
For Songkran Festival, Thai people clean everything such as house, temple, public place, official building and bad behaviors. In the morning, people go to the temple to offer food to monks. They also carry sand into temples to build small pagodas. It is believed to bring good luck. In addition, They perform a bathing rite for Buddha images and the monks. In the afternoon, people joyfully splash water on each other. Especially in Chiang Mai where it is the most famous celebration. During the period, people from parts of the country and foreigners go to Chiang Mai to enjoy the water festival, to watch the Miss Songkran contest and the beautiful parades.
In these three days, northern people cook special food. They call it “Gang Ka Noon” (jack fruit curry) because Ka Noon means success. They think when they eat this food, they will have success all new year.
For foreigners, if you want to go to Chiang Mai, you should book the hotel 3 months before you plan on going because many tourists will be traveling at that time. And don’t forget to buy a big bowl for throwing water!
