Songkran is a traditional Thai New Year festival, which is celebrated in April every year. The festival is known for its water fights and symbolizes the washing away of bad luck and sins. People splash water on each other, use water guns, and participate in street parties. In addition to the water fights, Songkran also includes religious ceremonies at temples, where people make merit, offer food to monks, and pour scented water over Buddha statues.
In 2019, Songkran was celebrated from April 13 to 15, with millions of locals and tourists participating in the festivities across Thailand. The main celebration takes place in Bangkok, where major streets are closed off for water fights and parties. Revellers wear colorful Hawaiian shirts, flower garlands, and sometimes even traditional Thai costumes.
Songkran also involves cultural activities such as the pouring of water over the hands of elders as a sign of respect and blessings. Many people also visit their families during the festival, making it a time for reunions.
In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Songkran celebrations were postponed and eventually canceled. Instead, the Thai government encouraged people to participate in alternative activities such as making merit, meditating, and staying at home to prevent the spread of the virus.
Despite the cancellation of the festival in 2020, Songkran is a vibrant and highly anticipated event in Thailand, bringing people together to celebrate the Thai New Year in a fun and meaningful way.