Songkran Festival is widely acknowledged as Thailand's most famous and important holiday. It's a time when the country comes alive with joyous festivities and celebrations. Held annually from the 13th to the 15th of April, Songkran marks the beginning of the lunar New Year in the Thai traditional calendar. Typically regarded as a Buddhist festival, it draws inspiration from the Hindu tradition, pointing to the influence of Indian culture on Thai traditions.
The festival embraces many wonderful customs. The most famous of these is the nationwide water fight where people of all ages take to the streets to engage in a playful water-throwing spectacle. The water signifies purification and is symbolic of washing away the mistakes and troubles of the past year, fostering a fresh start. People also visit temples to pray, make merit, and cleanse Buddha images with perfumed water, a gesture to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
Aside from the fun-filled water fight, Songkran Festival is also a period for family reunions and paying homage to ancestors. Many city-dwelling Thais return home to their provincial towns during this period. It is also a time when children show respect to their elders by pouring scented water over their hands, a practice called 'rot naam dam hua'. The Songkran Festival not only offers a unique cultural experience but also beautifully illustrates the essence of Thai culture and the importance they place on family and respect for elders.