One of the most important and sacred holidays in Thailand counts New Year (Songkran). In Thailand in 2025 new year will be celebrated during the period from April 13-15, and in some cities with 11 to 18 April. This grand event is loved not only by locals, but also by numerous tourists. The symbol of this Thai holiday is the change of seasons.
History of the origin of the Songkran festival
The roots of this ancient holiday go back to ancient India. "Songkran" translated from Sanskrit means “transition”. In Thailand, this celebration acquired a religious hue: people began to give alms, visit temples, and receive the blessing of monks. Traditionally, for the celebration thai new year 2025 is the pouring of water, which symbolizes the call for the beginning of the rainy season and a good rice harvest. Although this New Year's holiday is considered religious, it has recently become more and more entertaining due to the development of tourism.
During the celebration, people engage in fierce water battles, dousing each other with water pistols and buckets. Local residents and visitors to the city participate in this event. Dousing with water symbolizes unity, joy and new beginnings.
Date of Thai New Year 2025
To choose a tour to Thailand and take part in New Year's celebration, it is necessary to know, what date is songkran 2025The official holiday takes place from April 13 to 15, and in some areas from April 11 to 18.
These dates are official holidays. Hotels, catering establishments, and shops operate on reduced hours. But in fact thai new year 2025 will start earlier and end on April 19.
The official calendar New Year in Thailand begins on January 1st.
Songkran Customs and Rituals
Despite the fact that the meaning of Songkran is connected by a single tradition, rituals in different provinces may differ. A small part of locals, in tribute to tradition, act carefully, trying not to splash water on other people's faces, the majority splash a large amount of water, sometimes diluted with paint, unexpectedly. The meaning of such actions is that people thus wish each other happiness, it is not customary to be offended by this, and instead you can splash a person with water in return.
Another common tradition is to apply white clay to the body. This is to protect against evil spirits. Locals generously sprinkle each other with powder, but they are careful with tourists. Also, as a sign of affection, people put garlands of bright flowers on each other's necks and tie laces on their wrists.
New Year Celebration in Thailand accompanied by noisy concerts, colorful shows and festivals. Those wishing to attend the event should choose quick-drying clothes, waterproof bags, protection for the phone and camera. It will be quite difficult to capture such bright events without getting the equipment wet. The main events are held in large cities and tourist areas, while in other regions the sacred traditions of Songkran are preserved.
On New Year's Eve, Thai families tidy up their homes and get rid of unnecessary things, believing that all the bad things belong to the old year, in which they should be left. The day of preparation for the holiday (called Van Nau) begins on April 13. For traditional ceremonies, food is prepared, sand is collected to build a small chedi, located in the courtyard of the temple and decorated with flags, paper flowers, and streamers. This is necessary to pay tribute to Buddha and the temple. In the morning, locals put on new clothes and go to the temples to offer food to the monks. In the afternoon, a ritual of washing the Buddha statue with water and rose petals takes place in houses and temples, after which the water is poured.
On this holiday, it is customary to express respect and gratitude to elderly relatives. In the past, it was customary to help elderly family members take a bath and change old clothes for new ones. Nowadays, the tradition has changed a little: young people simply wash the hands of the older generation.
Where to Celebrate New Year 2025 in Thailand
The best option for New Year celebrations is the capital of Thailand, Bangkok. During the holiday, locals go to visit their relatives, and for tourists it is a great opportunity to see bright holiday shows, visit the pedestrian street, which is located in the city center, as well as large shopping centers.
Chiang Mai is also suitable for the tour. This city hosts the wettest and most fun New Year. You can also take part in a real water battle in Tha Pe Gate in the Old Town. Bright shows are also held at the tourist resort of Phuket. In this region, even the police carry water pistols.
In addition to water battles, Pattaya hosts foam discos, live music concerts, and local firefighters actively participate in the dousing.
Mass events take place on Samui. For those who want to get acquainted with local customs, the Na Thorn area is suitable. Here, local fishermen are happy to welcome guests. For lovers of noisy recreation, the Chaweng Beach area is suitable.
What can and cannot be done on a holiday
On the holiday, you can gather in groups, give each other gifts, expressing love, respect and reverence. On the day New Year celebrations People release birds and turtles, wash the Buddha statue. During feasts, it is customary to communicate, share positive news, plans for the future, and not talk about bad things. At the end of the feast, locals say a prayer for the welfare of people around the world.
It is unacceptable to pour water from the sea, a dirty lake or a river on each other. First of all, Songkran is a family festival of love and respect.
During Songkran, the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in places where mass events are held is prohibited in the country.
It is worth noting that for the safety of vacationers and local residents, the police are working in an enhanced mode at this time.
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