Songkran

If you are ready for Sanuk come join Songkran, the Thai New Year’s national holiday. Songkran itself is April 13th, but Thai’s celebrate April 12-16. It is a festival of water during some of the hottest and driest (for Thailand) weather. Based on the solar calendar, it aligns with the rising of Aries and the start of the astrological cycle. Originally from Sanskrit, it translates to “astrological passage,” meaning transformation and change.

Pouring water over your elders shows respect and reverence. Songkran is a festival of unity, and many who have moved or traveled away from their hometowns return to visit with loved ones and their elders. Reverence for ancestors is vital to Songkran.

For those who are your peers, it's time to play. Dress in your most speculator plumeria floral outfit and let your friends put some Din Sor Pong on your face (a special clay, as seen on the surface of this bead.) Revelers celebrate with a days long water fight. Buckets of water line the street for you to scoop from and pour over your friends! Don't forget to refill your water gun. Arenas are filled for water fights. Young and old splash each other with water, as major streets are closed to traffic as celebration floods the cities. Sanuk is had by all!