Songkran

Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year festival, celebrated annually from April 13th to 15th. The word 'Songkran' is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning 'astrological passage', signifying a transformation or change. While the festival has deep, respectful traditions, it is most famously known to the outside world as a massive, joyous water fight. The throwing of water is a key part of the celebration, symbolizing the washing away of all misfortunes from the past year, thus cleansing and refreshing the spirit for the new year ahead.

It is a time of immense fun and celebration, where streets are closed for traffic and transform into huge arenas for water fights. People of all ages, from children to adults, take to the streets armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses, drenching anyone and everyone in sight. The atmosphere is one of pure, unadulterated joy and camaraderie.