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Thailand’s Songkran Festival: its origins, history and modern day observance

The traditional new year in april is an exciting and enchanting time, full of culture and tradition.

Bangkok, 26 March, 2021 – The traditional Thai New Year of Songkran, the biggest and most important of Thailand’s annual festivals, has been celebrated for centuries and is full of tradition and culture.

The word Songkran is derived from ancient Sanskrit, a language dating back thousands of years, and means to ‘step into’, ‘enter’ or ‘pass into’. It describes the monthly movement or ‘astrological passage’ within the zodiac from one sphere to the next; in April the sun leaves the sphere of Aries and enters that of Taurus, a period known as Maha Songkran or the Great Songkran. This signifies the start of the Thai New Year.

The festival is said to have its origins in a Hindu spring festival that marked the arrival of the new harvest season in ancient India. While other Southeast Asian countries celebrate a similar traditional new year holiday, Thailand’s Songkran is the most well-known around the world.

Songkran in Thailand is officially observed as a three-day national holiday from 13-15 April, although celebrations can go on for longer – up to a week in some places.

The first day of the festival, 13 April and which is known as Songkran Day, sees people clean their homes and public places likes temples and schools to get rid of any bad luck from the previous year and ready them for the new year. Another main activity is Song Nam Phra , a ritual that involves the pouring of scented water onto a temple’s sacred Buddha images. It is important to note the water (traditionally scented with a perfume called Nam Ob ) is poured not onto the head of the image, but rather the torso and body.

The second day, 14 April, is referred to as Wan Nao and is when people prepare food and offerings to be given to monks and temples the following day. It is also a time to pay respect to elders, and young people prepare rose and jasmine water as well as Nam Op scented water with which to wash their parents’ feet in a ceremony called Rot Nam Dam Hua . The parents in return give the children their blessings, typically along with a jasmine floral garland. Many people will also make sand stupas – known as Chedi Sai – in the grounds of their local temple as a kind of personal pagoda and a fun family way to make a spiritual offering.

People also like creating a dash of good karma by releasing caged birds, or fish into waterways. This happens nationwide, although one of the best places to watch or even partake in it is at Phra Pradaeng in Samut Prakan province. The ceremony has been part of the tradition at Wat Proteket Chettaram for decades.

15 April, the third day of Songkran, is known as Wan Payawan and people typically start the day by visiting their local temple to present food and clothing to the monks, who then pray for them. They also partake in other rituals believed to bring good luck for the new year.

Also indispensable at Songkran are floral garlands, which add a fragrant and beautiful touch to festivities. Three main types of fragrant flowers are typically used to make these garlands – dok mali (jasmine), dok champhi (white champaca) and roses. The Phuang Malai or floral garland is popular to give to elder relatives to express love and respect.

Songkran is celebrated by everyone, everywhere throughout Thailand and is a time for people who have moved to other cities or towns to travel back home and spend time with their family. Public transportation and hotels can be fully booked up months in advance, and so it is a good idea to plan as far ahead as possible.

And needless to say, always be careful if using the roads during this celebratory time, when people can tend to be less cautious than usual. Do not even consider driving if you have been drinking alcohol. If using a motorbike wear a helmet.

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Everything you need to know about Songkran

Thailand celebrates its New Year every April with the world’s wettest festival, Songkran. It is the world’s largest water festival, when everyone, including children, adults, friends, and strangers, gathers to get soaked.

Although it’s widely known as the ‘ Water Festival ‘ among foreigners, Songkran is actually deeply rooted in traditions. In fact, it’s one of the most important events in the Buddhist calendar. So, what is Songkran, and what should you do during the festival? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the fun celebration!

What is Songkran?

Songkran is a celebration that marks the start of the Thai New Year. It’s very important to both the culture and the religion of Thailand. The festival is all about purification, cleaning, and having a fresh start.

To prepare for the holiday, the statues of Buddha are bathed with flower water, and houses are cleaned. In addition, younger Thais honours monks and elders by gently washing their hands with water in a respectful manner. Another key Songkran tradition is carrying sand to the local temple . Thai people will spend the holiday by spending time with their families, visiting temples, leaving offerings, carrying out processions through the streets, and honouring their ancestors.

The true Songkran tradition is to sprinkling water on others. However, it has transformed as locals and travellers use buckets and water guns to take the festival to a whole other level and make it into a massive water fight.

In Thai tradition to soaking people with water is a symbol of cleaning bad actions and thoughts. During Songkran, the splashing of water is believed to bring good health, prosperity, longevity, and good luck. Although Songkran is more popular for its water fights, parades, dancing, and folk entertainment are part of the festival as well.

When is Songkran celebrated?

The exact dates of Songkran traditionally fluctuated according to the Thai calendar, which is dictated by the lunar calendar. The dates, however, are now fixed, and the holiday runs from April 13 to April 15. The festival officially starts early morning in April 13 with opening ceremonies. The festival is officially only three days long, but it could actually last from anywhere between 3 to 10 days, depending on where you are in the country.

Where is Songkran celebrated in Thailand?

Songkran is celebrated all across Thailand. Most big cities have robust Songkran celebrations that are bigger than in smaller towns. Also, the festival tends to last longer the further north you go. In the northern city of Chiang Mai , for example, the festival can last for as long as a week.

Chiang Mai hosts most of the famous Songkran festivities. The epicentre of the water festival in the city is around Tha Phae Gate. Here, people fill their water guns and buckets using hoses or moats that bars provide. You’ll also be able to watch the parade of Buddha statues carried through the main gate. The statues are to be washed in a religious ceremony. Other cultural celebrations, traditional performances, and street food are all part of Songkran in Chiang Mai.

Although Songkran lasts longer in Chiang Mai, many people argue that the festival is more fun in Bangkok. The capital has numerous spots where you can join and celebrate Songkran. Khao San Road is one of the most popular spots, both among foreigners and local Thais. Here, you can participate in a huge street party filled with water and alcohol. It’s crowded and frenetic, with loud music blaring from the bars. Silom Road is also a popular spot for Songkran. It typically attracts more local Thais than Khao San Road. If you want a more chilled and family-friendly Songkran experience, Siam Square is the place for you and the official ceremony is normally held at Wat Pho.

Phuket is also buzzing with festivities during Songkran, particularly in the Patong Beach area. The streets are filled with pickup trucks throwing water at everyone, tourists and locals alike. The celebrations continue well into the wee hours along Bangla Road. In Phuket Town, the festivities are mainly held around Saphan Hin Park . Here, you can enjoy traditional performances and live music.

In Koh Samui , Songkran typically only lasts for a day, but it’s fun nonetheless. The celebrations in Koh Samui kick off in Chaweng. You can expect street parties with DJs and buzzing crowds.

Songkran is usually celebrated more traditionally in smaller towns. The celebrations tend to focus on temple activities. If you want to experience a more traditional Songkran festival, consider going to Isaan in the northern part of Thailand.

Remember that Songkran is taken seriously throughout Thailand. Therefore, regardless of your location, you’ll be in for a good time.

What to do during Songkran for foreigners

While Songkran has a significant meaning and importance to Thai people, foreigners are always welcome to join in the celebrations. So, be prepared to get soaked and have fun!

Here’s what you can do during Songkran to make the most out of it:

Protect your phone and other valuables

It’s important that you purchase a small waterproof bag or a ziplock to keep your phones and valuables dry during the water fight. Songkran has led to the destruction of many cameras and phones, so make sure you waterproof all your devices. If you want to scroll through your phone or take pictures with it, there are many touch-screen waterproof bags that allow you to use your phone. If you can, leave all valuables at your hotel and only carry with you what is really necessary.

Wear proper clothes and shoes

Since you’re going to be wet, choosing your clothes wisely is essential. It’s best to wear light and fast dry fabrics that can get dirty. Also, be sure to avoid clothing that appears “suggestive” when soaked with water. See-through shirts, white clothing, and crop tops are best avoided. You can wear flip-flops. However, it’s better to wear something that lets you walk on slippery streets safely and protect your feet. If you don’t want to keep wiping your eyes, be sure to wear goggles to protect them.

Get ready to have water fights and plan to get wet

Everybody has either water guns, buckets, garden hoses, or even kitchen bowls. So make sure you bring something to splash and soak others. Also, get ready to be soaked when you’re outdoors. There’s no escape – no matter what items you carry or how much you plead, you could be attacked with water.

Respect people and places

Keep in mind that the water fight happens on the streets. If you come across shops or markets that stay open during the holiday, be sure to respect them. Avoid splashing water indoors and always be polite. You should also avoid splashing people who are working – not everyone can participate in the water fight. Additionally, bear in mind that Songkran is a religious festival, so you should stay out of the way of worshipers. If you decide to visit a temple, always be respectful.

Learn how to say “happy new year” in Thai

The traditional way to make peace after splashing someone and wish them well at Songkran is to say Sawasdee Pee Mai! . It means happy new year in the Thai language. Make sure to always smile and be nice too. You are likely to hear suk san wan Songkran as well, which means “happy Songkran day.”

Just have fun!

There’s no malice involved in Songkran. Therefore, if you want to avoid getting wet but someone pours water on you, just go with it. Yes, it can be annoying to constantly have water dumped over your head, especially after the first day. However, it’s the holiday, so just embrace it and have fun! If you really want to avoid getting wet, it’s best that you hide indoors.

Stay alert when crossing the road

Drunk driving is a big problem during Songkran. Therefore, always be careful when crossing the road or standing at intersections since pedestrians can be hit by vehicles.

Ride your motorbike with precaution

Riding a motorcycle during the Songkran Festival is very dangerous. The roads are wet, slippery, and bustling. Accident rates are higher during the festival. Therefore, if you really have to ride your motorbike, make sure to ride it with precaution. Always ride slowly and wear your helmet. Also, it’s okay to stop and get water to slash on.

To help you plan your Songkran activities, we recommend that you make reservations for your lodging in advance. Go to our partner’s website, “ Agoda ,” to find the greatest hotel deals.

What NOT to do during Songkran for foreigners

It’s easy to get lost in the excitement, but the festival does come with some caveats when it comes to safety. It’s true that the festival is about having fun. However, there are some things you need to bear in mind so you can make the most out of it.

Don’t splash water on Monks, the elderly, and babies

Remember that monks are revered figures in Thailand. Hence, splashing a monk is always off-limits. Shooting water to elderly people, pregnant women, and babies is also a big no-no. Therefore, always pay attention to the person before you’re throwing water at them. If you get too carried away and do it by mistake, make sure to apologize immediately.

Don’t be a bully

Carrying a plastic water gun can embolden some people, but don’t use the festival as an excuse to act like a bully. Things can get really ugly if you don’t mind the power of your water gun. Be gentle when splashing water at others and avoid shooting water into people’s eyes. Additionally, you shouldn’t splash people after sundown.

Don’t take off your shirt

You can get arrested and charged with public obscenity if you take off your shirt or dress indecently. Yes, you’re wet, and it may seem okay to remove your shirt but remember that you’re in Thailand, and the culture is different.

Don’t pay for water

Some people will try to charge you to refill your water gun or buckets, but be sure to ignore them. There are many people who share water for free.

Don’t drink the water

The water is fresh and clean, but it’s typically not potable. Therefore, avoid swallowing water during the festival.

Other Songkran traditions you need to know

Along with splashing water to others, it’s a tradition to paste a powder known as din sor pong to others in some regions. It’s natural talc that has been used to protect yourself against the sun. The powder is typically stroked gently on the forehead or cheeks. It’s used as a way of wishing good luck. Don’t worry about the paste staining your clothes as it’s water-soluble.

Some people might also tie sai sin or blessed stings to others’ wrists as part of Songkran traditions. If someone who’s holding a string approaches you, extend your wrists with the palm facing up. They will tie the string and say a short blessing to you. Traditionally, you have to leave it on until it fall off on its own. However, if it becomes too dirty to wear, you can untie them.

If you’re planning to join Songkran in Thailand or you will be in the country during this time, we hope that this guide has given you some insights into the festival and prepared you for what you can expect from the celebration, you can also check out our article on planning a trip to Phuket in this Songkran .

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What is Songkran? Thailand’s Water Festival, Explained

Thailand’s Songkran Festival isn’t just any celebration; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a nationwide water fight where people flood the streets and party over the span of three days (or more).

Tourists flock to Thailand every year in April to celebrate Songkran–one of the wildest, wettest, and most fun holidays in the world. And if you ask someone who has celebrated Songkran in Thailand, you’ll hear the same thing: it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Put simply, partying in the streets of Thailand for three days equipped with a super soaker will make even the most jaded individual feel like a kid again.

With that said, here’s everything you need to know about Songkran Festival, when and where it is celebrated, and how to make the most of the Thai New Year.

What is Songkran Festival?

In the simplest terms, Songkran is a multi-day Thai holiday celebrating the Thai New Year. Thousands of Thais and tourists flood the streets armed with water guns and alcohol. It’s madness–in the best way possible.

Tourist hotspots like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya basically shut down for the duration of the festival with two goals in mind: having a blast and getting soaking wet.

When is Songkran Celebrated?

The core celebration of Songkran Festival comprises three days, with April 13th marking the official Thai New Year’s Day and April 15th signaling the last day of official Songkran celebrations.

Yet, don’t let that fool you into thinking Songkran has ended. In certain regions like Pattaya and Bangsaen, the merriment continues into Wan Lai , also known as “the day that flows.”

Basically it’s an extra four days of Songkran celebrations if you know where to go.

What is the Origin of Songkran and Why is Water Thrown?

The term “Songkran” finds its origins in the Sanskrit word “Sankranti,” signifying a transition or transformation. This festival marks the sun’s passage into the zodiac sign of Aries, symbolizing new beginnings and renewal.

Water, the hallmark of Songkran, holds profound significance.

Firstly, it serves as a cleansing ritual, washing away the past year’s misfortunes and sins, paving the way for a fresh start. Secondly, it provides relief from the scorching heat of the Thai summer, making the festivities even more enjoyable. Lastly, water symbolizes purification in Buddhist tradition, with the act of pouring water over elders’ hands representing respect and seeking blessings for the upcoming year.

The Best Places in Thailand to Experience Songkran Festival

If you are looking for action and variety, then Bangkok is probably the best city to celebrate Songkran.

Why? Well, the bustling capital basically transforms into a water warfare zone, with major roads like Khao San Road and Silom turning into battlegrounds for water fights and festivities.

On top of that, there are Songkran-themed music festivals like S20 Festival with big-name DJs spinning away while festival-goers play in the water.

2. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is perhaps the most popular tourist stop for those looking to enjoy Songkran Festival in Thailand.

Tourists flood the streets of Chiang Mai’s Old Town and party the days away with water fights galore. The bars on Ratvithi Road like the notorious Zoe in Yellow are popping during all three Songkran days.

Chiang Mai is a great choice for the official three days of Songkran celebrations.

If you want some beach vibes to go along with your Songkran activities, then Phuket is the smart choice.

Songkran parties in Phuket take place all over the city but the main craziness happens at Patong Beach at Bangla Walking Street. Tourists and locals alike come together there to get drunk and throw water on each other. It’s incredible.

And, at night, Bangla’s famous nightclubs like Iluzion come alive.

4. Bangsaen (Wan Lai Bangsaen)

For those who want to keep the Songkran Festivities going after the official days end, Bangsaen and Pattaya are the options.

From April 16-17, Bangsaen in Chonburi Province hosts additional–and equally fun–days of Songkran celebrations along Bangsaen Beach Road . This is more of a locals-oriented Songkran event as not many tourists visit Bangsaen, which is located between Bangkok and Pattaya.

But it’s no less fun. Trust us!

5. Pattaya (Wan Lai Festival)

Technically speaking, Pattaya celebrates Songkran Festival all the way from April 13 to April 19. That said, the final day ( Wan Lai on April 19 ) is the most legendary.

Wan Lai celebrations in Pattaya are absolutely crazy. Water fights, beachfront parties, and concerts fill Pattaya Beach Road all the way down to Walking Street.

As you can probably guess, Pattaya Songkran is a more adult-centered Songkran celebration but there are still many Thai families celebrating there, as well.

Celebrating Songkran in Thailand

Without a doubt, Songkran Festival is one of the most fun holidays in the world. There is simply nothing else like it.

Whether you’re drawn to its cultural significance or the thrill of city-wide water fights, Songkran is truly special.

So, what are you waiting for? Book a flight, buy a water gun, and get the Songkran festivities started.

Related: The 8 Most Common Tourist Scams in Thailand (And How to Avoid Them)

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Songkran Festival: everything you need to know

Hostelworld Blog | Posted on December 9, 2015 |

1. What is Songkran?

Songkran is Thailand’s most famous festival. An important event on the Buddhist calendar, this ‘water splashing’ festival marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year. The name Songkran comes from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘passing’ or ‘approaching’. Although getting well and truly soaked is what makes this festival so famous.

📷 Kazuhiro Nakamura

2. When is Songkran Festival?

Songkran Festival takes place in April every year, from the 13th to the 15th.

3. How is Songkran celebrated in Thailand?

Water is an important element of Songkran, especially in more recent times when the throwing of water has become a huge part of the annual celebrations. If you’re visiting Thailand during this period, prepare to get well and truly splashed! Crowds of people roam around throwing buckets of water, using water pistols and just generally soaking anyone in the vicinity. Appreciation of family is another important aspect of the festival, with many Thai people making their way to their hometowns to spend time with older relatives. Buddhists also visit temples throughout Songkran where water is poured on Buddha images and on the hands of Buddhist monks as a mark of respect.

📷  Ben Reeves

4. What happens on the first day of the festival?

Known as Songkran Day, the first day of the festival is an exuberant celebration with processions of Buddha images taking place throughout the country. The Thai people also prepare themselves for the beginning of the New Year by cleaning their houses. More importantly, April 13th is when the water throwing really gets going.

📷 Ben Reeves

5. What is Wan Nao?

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6. When is Thai New Year’s Day?

Celebrated on April 15th, Thai New Year’s Day is the final day of Songkran celebrations in many parts of the country. Offerings are left at temples on this day to ring in the New Year, with plenty of other events also taking place.

7. How do people celebrate Songkran in Bangkok?

The Thai capital celebrates with the Bangkok Songkran Splendours Festival which takes place from April 13th to 15th. The official opening ceremony is held at Wat Pho, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand that’s home to the spectacular gold-plated reclining Buddha. Many other celebrations are held on and around Khao San Road, which is one of the most popular streets in the world for backpackers. Events during the festival include water throwing, the ritual bathing of Buddha images, processions and performances. A tempting array of traditional foods are enjoyed throughout the celebrations.

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8. Is Songkran celebrated in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is home to one of the country’s biggest Songkran celebrations. The festival here kicks off slightly earlier on the 12 th April, with an eye-catching procession around the city. Street food, cultural celebrations and traditional performances remain an important part of Songkran in northern Thailand. Of course, there’s also the customary water throwing.

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9. What happens in Phuket during Songkran?

Plenty! Thailand’s largest island is buzzing with activity during Songkran, especially in the Patong Beach area. Expect gridlocked streets filled with pickup trucks throwing water at locals and tourists alike. Along Bangla Road, which is where you’ll find the liveliest nightspots in Patong, Songkran celebrations continue well into the wee hours. Saphan Hin Park is the main focus of the festivities in Phuket Town. Live music and traditional performances make up part of these hugely enjoyable celebrations.

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10. Is the festival just for locals or can anyone get involved?

Songkran is a hugely important festival to Thai people, but it’s also very popular with visitors and many tourists specifically arrange their holidays around this unique event. Anyone and everyone can and will get involved in the celebrations. If you’re out and about during Songkran, you’re guaranteed to end up soaked but you’ll have lots of fun in the process!

So, if you’re planning a trip to Songkran in Thailand, hopefully this has given you some insight into what makes this event so important and unique, and prepared you for what you can expect from Songkran celebrations throughout the country. Happy water throwing!

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Songkran: what is it and why is it one of my favorite holidays?

What is Songkran? Songkran, also called” water festival”, is one of the biggest Buddhist holidays in Thailand. It is an annual holiday in Thailand that is celebrated mid April. Each year Songkran is held from the 13 th through the 15 th of April. In some places the celebration even lasts for a whole week. On Songkran people celebrate the traditional Thai New Year. The official New Year is celebrated on the 1 st of January like in most other countries.

The traditional Thai New Year is celebrated on the streets where people throw water at each other. They use all kinds of gear; think of water pistols, buckets, garden hoses, etc.  All with one goal: to get everybody soaking wet. The idea behind it is that the water cleans you so you will go into the New Year with a fresh start.  Another tradition is to put white clay on people’s faces. This comes from the chalk monk’s use for blessings.

The festivities take place throughout the whole country. However, most Thai people go back to their home town to celebrate the holiday with their families.

My own experience Three years ago, in 2015, I was in Thailand during Songkran. I was planning on celebrating it in Chiang Mai, because I heard it’s one of the best places to experience this holiday. My plans changed though, so I ended up celebrating it in Bangkok with a friend.

I stayed in Bangkok for 2 of the three days. On the last day I left to go to my next destination. My friend and I were staying close to Khao San road so that’s where we celebrated the holiday. It was and is by far one of the best holiday celebrations I have ever experienced. And this is why:

The atmosphere I thought the atmosphere during this holiday was absolutely great. I have been to places with big crowds and drunken people before but that often causes problems (e.g. people fighting). During the days I was there I didn’t feel like I was in danger for a moment even though the crowds were pretty large. I’m sure things happen during celebrations like this but luckily my experiences were very positive.

The water fights Another thing I thought was so much fun were all the water fights on the streets. For three days it felt like I was a child again. I really enjoyed the water fights and even purchased my own water gun after some hesitation at first. It was absolutely necessary though since you cannot participate thoroughly if you yourself are not able to splash water at other people.

For everybody The last thing I loved about Songkran was that I felt included. Sometimes when you’re abroad and there is a celebration you kind of feel like an outsider. I had this when I was in Vietnam during T ế t (Chinese New Year). Everyone was celebrating this with their families and I didn’t really feel like I was a part of it. During Songkran though, everybody is included. It doesn’t matter whether you’re Thai or not. Many Thai people even seem to like it to see all the farang (foreigners) celebrating with them.

This year I will be in Thailand for Songkran aigan. Since I’m in the South already I will go to Krabi and celebrate it there. I hope it will be as much fun as I remember it to be three years ago.

Have you ever celebrated Songkran? If so, how was that?

Happy Songkran,

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Songkran: The journey from ancient water festival to UNESCO cultural heritage

Songkran, thailand's famous water festival, boasts a rich and fascinating history that blends hindu, buddhist, and ancient thai traditions – and has now been recognized by unesco as intangible cultural heritage..

UNESCO announced its decision from Botswana on Wednesday afternoon, Thai time, while events to mark the new honour will take place in Bangkok on Thursday.

Songkran is celebrated from April 13 to 15 each year to mark the traditional Thai New Year. The festival is known for its water-splashing traditions, which symbolise cleansing and purification. However, Songkran is also a time for paying respect to elders, giving alms to monks, and enjoying traditional Thai food and music.

Next year, the Pheu Thai-led government plans to stretch celebrations throughout the whole of April to promote the festival as Thailand’s soft power.

Songkran has a colourful past, which some scholars believe is rooted in an ancient Hindu festival marking the harvest season and the arrival of the new year.

This festival, called Makara Sankranti, celebrated the sun's entrance into the water sign of Aquarius, marking a new astrological period.

The water element, significant in both Hinduism and Buddhism, played a central role in rituals like making sacrifices to deities and the symbolic washing away of sins.

The festival was adopted by the Khmer Empire, which ruled parts of present-day Thailand, around the 11th century.

According to the traditional Thai calendar, the first new moon day of the fifth month is regarded as New Year’s Day. It normally falls on April 13.

Thais regarded Songkran as New Year's Day until 1889, when King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) switched the date to April 1. In 1941, the first day of the year was moved to January 1 by Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram’s government, to match the Western Gregorian Calendar. The Thai traditional New Year switched back to April 13, to be celebrated with a three-day Songkran holiday.

Under the Khmer empire, people bathed under the sun as they believed it helped cleanse the soul of bad karma and freed the spirits of dead ancestors to return to their homeland. This belief was apparently later attributed to the water element in Songkran celebrations.

As Theravada Buddhism flourished in Thailand, Songkran took on new dimensions.

The focus shifted towards merit-making, with people offering food and prayers to monks at temples.

This tradition, called "tam bun", remains an essential part of traditional New Year celebrations today.

During the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1350-1767), Songkran became an elaborate royal ceremony.

The king led processions, offered symbolic gifts to Buddha statues, and participated in the "Washing of the Buddha" ritual. No water splashing took place in those days.

The washing ritual, where people pour water over Buddha images to purge impurities, is still practised widely.

Millions who study or work outside their home provinces grab the opportunity of the three-day holiday to travel home to their families. April 14 is also called Family Day. The government often extends the holiday period by one or two days, creating a long weekend to promote tourism. But the exodus of people, coupled with partying, also leads to a spike in road accidents each year.

Water splashing takes centre stage at Songkran these days, with water guns in all shapes and sizes filling the shelves in shops.

The roots of this tradition are a mystery, though. Culture scholar Sujit Wongthet believes the water fights were encouraged and adopted in modern times to promote tourism.

He notes that a poem about Songkran written during the reign of King Rama III makes no mention of water splashing.

Some scholars believe that water splashing began after King Chulalongkorn began celebrating Thai New Year in 1989.

Today, Songkran is a vibrant celebration of tradition, family, and community whose significance has now earned UNESCO recognition.

People visit temples, offer alms, sprinkle water on their elders to show respect, and engage in joyous water battles symbolising cleansing and renewal.

The gentler side of the festival sees people anointing the hands of their parents, grandparents and seniors with scented water to seek their blessing for the new year.

Many families, especially those in the Northeast, make merit for deceased relatives or ancestors.

Local authorities and shopping malls set up spaces for the public to pour scented water on Buddha images to seek blessing.

Some temples invite worshippers to carry sand into their grounds for future building construction. Many Buddhists believe the practice brings prosperity, hoping that money pours into their pockets to match the amount of sand they carry.

Another traditional New Year activity is the releasing of captive animals. Worshippers buy fish and caged birds to free on Songkran Day, hoping that this act of compassion will wipe away their bad luck.

Songkran's journey from ancient to modern times reflects Thailand's history and culture, weaving together ancient customs, religious beliefs, and a zest for life. The festival is testament to the enduring power of tradition and the joy of celebrating new beginnings And as world intangible heritage, it is here to stay.

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Songkran: Thailand's Water Festival

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Emily Eastman talks about her experiences of the Thai Water Festival and the traditional festivities of Songkran , which is celebrated every year from the 13th to the 15th of April. It is renowned throughout the world for its festive water celebration. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips . A common misconception is that Songkran, or Thai New Year, will involve a group of preschoolers brandishing a few water pistols at their carefully selected co-celebrators. Taking place in April, Songkran embraces everyone.

Songkran in Thai means to ‘move’ or ‘change place’. At some point in Thailand ’s history, Songkran integrated with the Water Festival, which historically occurred on the day when the sun changes position in the zodiac. The Thai people believe that water is spiritually purifying: it cleanses you of any bad luck or grievances from the past year, and blesses you with fortune and happiness for the year ahead. The festival originated with locals collecting water that had been poured over Buddha statues for cleansing. This was then used to bless village elders and family members by trickling it over their shoulders. Since these somewhat genteel beginnings, Songkran has developed into a kingdom-wide water fight, occurring in April, which luckily happens to be Thailand’s hottest month. As with many historical and cultural festivals, the emphasis has shifted from the spiritual and religious to enjoyment and joviality.

Nonetheless, this is not to suggest that the religious undertones are gone entirely. Thai people will spend a portion of Songkran visiting Wats (Buddhist monasteries) to give alms and ask for forgiveness, before focusing on what they hope the coming year will bring. As with Western culture, Thai people make New Year’s resolutions and not only cleanse themselves, but cleanse their homes with a thorough housekeeping session.

The northern capital of Chiang Mai plays host to the biggest celebrations of Songkran, with some festivities reputedly spanning six days. It is also more common in the north of Thailand for people to collect sand, which is taken to their local monastery. This sand — symbolic of dirt carried on their feet for the past year — is used to replenish the monastery before being sculpted into piles and decorated with colorful, celebratory flags.

The Khao San Road is the undisputed hub of activity for Bangkok’s modern celebration of Songkran. Cordoned off to traffic, the atmosphere in the backpacker district is electric. Thai and Farang (foreigners) alike hold posts equipped with cannon-sized water guns, pressure hoses and gigantic cooler boxes, with suitably strong men manning the buckets beside them.

It is impossible to leave your hotel room without encountering the mayhem, and you will soon find any resistance dwindling. Children, adults and the elderly dance together on the pavements; truckloads of teenagers, pumping heavy bass, maraud the streets; and the ever present street dogs take refuge wherever they can.

The thoroughfares are lined with stalls selling water guns of all shapes and sizes, as well as mixing buckets of clay. Children especially take delight in approaching Farang (foreigners) with a Wai and an apologetic smile as they wipe the clay on either cheek and utter ‘ sa-wat-dee pi mai ‘, or ‘Happy New Year’. This practice mirrors the act of Monks blessing objects. While the monks usually use chalk, the children seem to prefer clay which creates a far more satisfying mess.

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It is illustrative of Thai culture that no one — apart from Monks, Nuns and the elderly — is exempt from Songkran’s buoyant festivities. While walking in Lumpini Park, we were approached by a group of four policemen, intent on smearing us with clay before taking a commemorative photo.

Being in Thailand for the New Year, we witnessed a country overcome by a contagious atmosphere of positivity and optimism. In spite of being drenched for three days running, and having clothes and sightseeing plans ruined, it was impossible to be annoyed: Songkran demonstrates Thailand’s ever-affirmative outlook on life.

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The Cultural Significance of Thai Songkran: Water Festival and New Year Celebrations

Table of Contents

Origins and Traditions of Thai Songkran: Water Festival and New Year Celebrations

Symbolism and Rituals of Thai Songkran: Water Festival and New Year Celebrations

Impact and influence of thai songkran: water festival and new year celebrations on thai culture.

Modern Celebrations and Global Recognition of Thai Songkran: Water Festival and New Year Celebrations

Celebrating Thai heritage and unity through the joyous splash of Songkran: The Cultural Significance of Thailand’s Water Festival and New Year Celebrations .

Thai Songkran, also known as the Water Festival, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Thailand. It marks the traditional Thai New Year and is observed with great enthusiasm and joy throughout the country. The festival, which takes place from April 13th to 15th, has deep cultural and religious significance, rooted in ancient traditions and beliefs.

The origins of Thai Songkran can be traced back to ancient times when it was celebrated as a way to honor the arrival of the spring season and to pay homage to ancestors. The festival is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions and is considered a time for purification and renewal. It is believed that by participating in the water rituals, one can wash away the sins and bad luck of the past year and start afresh.

One of the most iconic traditions of Thai Songkran is the water fights that take place on the streets. People armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses engage in friendly water battles, drenching each other with water as a symbol of cleansing and purification. This tradition is not only a fun and playful way to beat the summer heat but also represents the washing away of negativity and starting the New Year with a clean slate.

In addition to the water fights, Thai Songkran is also a time for religious ceremonies and family gatherings. Many people visit temples to make merit and offer prayers for good fortune in the coming year. Monks perform special rituals and blessings, and people pour scented water over Buddha statues as a sign of respect and gratitude. These religious ceremonies are an integral part of the festival and reflect the deep spiritual connection that Thai people have with their traditions.

Another important aspect of Thai Songkran is the practice of paying respect to elders and seeking their blessings. Younger generations pour scented water over the hands of their elders as a gesture of gratitude and to seek their guidance and blessings for the year ahead. This tradition not only strengthens family bonds but also reinforces the importance of respecting and honoring one’s elders in Thai culture .

Food also plays a significant role in Thai Songkran celebrations. Families come together to prepare and share traditional dishes, such as pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. These meals are not only delicious but also symbolize abundance and prosperity for the New Year. Sharing food with loved ones is a way to foster unity and create lasting memories during this festive time.

Overall, Thai Songkran is a festival that embodies the rich cultural heritage of Thailand. It is a time for celebration, reflection, and renewal. The water fights, religious ceremonies, family gatherings, and traditional food all contribute to the unique and vibrant atmosphere of the festival. Thai people take great pride in preserving and passing on these traditions from generation to generation, ensuring that the cultural significance of Thai Songkran continues to be cherished and celebrated for years to come.

Thailand is a country known for its vibrant and rich cultural traditions. One of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Thailand is Songkran, which marks the traditional Thai New Year. Songkran is a time of joy, renewal, and purification, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the country. The festival is particularly famous for its water fights, which symbolize the washing away of bad luck and the welcoming of a fresh start.

Symbolism plays a crucial role in Thai culture, and Songkran is no exception. Water, in particular, holds deep symbolic meaning in Thai society. It is associated with purity, cleansing, and the washing away of sins. During Songkran, people engage in water fights, where they throw water at each other using buckets, water guns, or even elephants spraying water from their trunks. This act of splashing water on one another is believed to cleanse the body and soul, and to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

In addition to the water fights, there are several other rituals and customs associated with Songkran. One of the most important rituals is the pouring of scented water over the hands of elders as a sign of respect and to seek their blessings. This act is known as “Rod Nam Dum Hua” and is a way of showing gratitude and seeking forgiveness for any past wrongdoings. It is also believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to the person performing the ritual.

Another significant aspect of Songkran is the building of sand pagodas or “chedis” at temples. These pagodas are constructed using sand brought from riverbanks and are decorated with colorful flags and flowers. The pagodas serve as a symbol of merit-making and are believed to bring good luck and blessings to those who participate in their construction.

Food also plays a central role in Songkran celebrations. Traditional Thai dishes are prepared and shared with family and friends. One of the most popular dishes during this time is “Khao Chae,” a refreshing rice dish served with various condiments and jasmine-scented water. The cooling properties of Khao Chae make it a perfect dish to beat the summer heat during the festival.

Songkran is not only a time for celebration but also a time for reflection and renewal. It is a time to let go of the past and embrace the future with a fresh perspective. The festival provides an opportunity for people to come together, strengthen their bonds, and express gratitude for the blessings in their lives.

The cultural significance of Thai Songkran extends beyond its rituals and symbolism. It is a time when communities unite, and people from all walks of life come together to celebrate and enjoy the festivities. The festival promotes a sense of togetherness and harmony, fostering a deep sense of cultural pride and identity among the Thai people.

In conclusion, Thai Songkran is a festival that holds immense cultural significance in Thailand. The water fights, rituals, and customs associated with the festival symbolize purification, renewal, and the welcoming of a new year. The festival brings people together, strengthens community bonds, and promotes a sense of cultural pride. Songkran is not just a celebration; it is a time for reflection, gratitude, and the embracing of new beginnings.

The Thai Songkran festival is one of the most important and widely celebrated events in Thailand. It marks the traditional Thai New Year and is known for its vibrant water fights and joyful festivities. However, beyond the fun and excitement, Songkran holds a deep cultural significance for the Thai people. It has a profound impact on Thai culture, influencing various aspects of their lives.

One of the most significant impacts of Songkran is its role in fostering unity and strengthening social bonds within the Thai community. During the festival, people come together to participate in water fights, visit temples, and make merit. These activities create a sense of togetherness and camaraderie among the Thai people. It is a time when families and friends gather to celebrate, share meals, and exchange blessings. The festival serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the value of relationships in Thai culture.

Moreover, Songkran plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting traditional Thai customs and values. The festival is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions and is a time for spiritual reflection and renewal. Thai people visit temples to make merit, offer prayers, and pour scented water over Buddha statues as a symbol of cleansing and purification. These rituals are believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. By actively participating in these customs, the Thai people ensure the preservation of their cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations.

In addition to its cultural significance, Songkran also has a significant economic impact on Thailand. The festival attracts a large number of tourists from around the world, who come to experience the unique celebrations and immerse themselves in Thai culture. This influx of visitors boosts the local economy, particularly in popular tourist destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops thrive during this period, creating employment opportunities and generating revenue for the country.

Furthermore, Songkran has a positive impact on the tourism industry in Thailand. The festival has gained international recognition and has become a major draw for tourists seeking an authentic cultural experience. The water fights, traditional parades, and street parties create a festive atmosphere that captivates visitors and leaves a lasting impression. Many tourists plan their trips to Thailand specifically to coincide with the Songkran festival, contributing to the growth of the tourism sector and promoting Thailand as a top travel destination.

In conclusion, the Thai Songkran festival holds immense cultural significance for the Thai people. It fosters unity, strengthens social bonds, and promotes traditional customs and values. The festival’s economic impact is also noteworthy, as it attracts tourists from around the world and boosts the local economy. Songkran has become an integral part of Thai culture and continues to play a vital role in shaping the country’s identity. As the festival evolves and adapts to modern times, its cultural significance remains deeply rooted in Thai society, making it a cherished and celebrated event for generations to come.

Thai Songkran, also known as the Water Festival, is a traditional celebration that holds immense cultural significance in Thailand. However, in recent years, this vibrant festival has gained global recognition and has become a popular event for tourists from all over the world. The combination of water fights, religious rituals, and the welcoming of the Thai New Year makes Songkran a unique and unforgettable experience.

One of the reasons for the increasing popularity of Thai Songkran is its modern adaptation. While the festival has deep roots in Thai culture and traditions, it has evolved to incorporate modern elements that appeal to a wider audience. In many cities, the water fights that take place during Songkran have become the main attraction for both locals and tourists. People armed with water guns and buckets roam the streets, drenching each other in a playful and joyous manner. This modern twist on the traditional festival has made it more accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages.

Another factor contributing to the global recognition of Thai Songkran is the promotion of the festival by the Thai government and tourism authorities. Recognizing the potential of Songkran as a major tourist attraction, the government has actively marketed the festival to international audiences. This has resulted in an influx of tourists who come to Thailand specifically to experience the vibrant celebrations of Songkran. The festival has become so popular that it is now included in many travel itineraries and bucket lists around the world.

The cultural significance of Thai Songkran cannot be overlooked. Beyond the water fights and festivities, the festival holds deep religious and spiritual meaning for the Thai people. Songkran marks the beginning of the Thai New Year and is a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewal. Many Thais visit temples during this period to make merit, offer prayers, and seek blessings for the year ahead. The water used in the festival symbolizes the cleansing of sins and bad luck, allowing individuals to start the new year with a fresh and pure outlook.

The global recognition of Thai Songkran has also led to the celebration being embraced by people from different cultures and backgrounds. In many countries, Thai communities organize their own Songkran events, bringing a taste of Thailand to their adopted homes. These celebrations often include traditional Thai music, dance performances, and of course, water fights. The spread of Songkran celebrations beyond Thailand’s borders is a testament to the festival’s ability to bridge cultural gaps and bring people together in a spirit of joy and unity.

In conclusion, the modern celebrations and global recognition of Thai Songkran have contributed to its status as one of the most anticipated festivals in the world. The combination of traditional rituals, water fights, and the welcoming of the Thai New Year make Songkran a unique and vibrant celebration. Its increasing popularity can be attributed to its modern adaptation, active promotion by the Thai government, and the festival’s deep cultural significance. Whether you are a local or a tourist, experiencing Thai Songkran is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and joyful spirit of Thailand.

What Is The Songkran Festival? (What Does It Mean)

Thailand is one of the best travel destinations in Asia,with beautiful beaches, lovely nightlife, fun-filled festivals and great attractions. One of the best times to visit Thailand is during the celebration of the Songkran Festival . The Songkran Festival , also known as the Traditional Thai New Year , is usually celebrated in mid-April. It is one of Thailand’s grandest and most important events.

The Songkran Festival is a time when family and friends gather to pay gratitude to elders and visit temples for prayer and offering. Songkran literally means to pass or move into. The Songkran Festival is an amazing event in Thailand which is used to welcome the New Year. During this period, you’ll enjoy fun-filled local entertainments and fun. Depending on which area within Thailand, the celebration can last between 3 to 10 days.

Songkran in Wat Po, Bangkok. (photo by Peter Gronemann, Wikicommons)

The Songkran Festival is also a period when the Thai people cleanse and pour water mixed with Thai fragrance on Buddha images. The festival also showcases a bathing ritual where the people pour water on the senior Buddhist monks. This process is believed to bring good luck to them. After that, the chief monk will give a sermon and bless those who attend this bathing ritual.

In some areas in Thailand, Buddha images are paraded from one street to the other, allowing Thai people to shower them with water. The young people pay gratitude and also show a sign of respect to elders in a sacred ritual, which involves pouring down scented water on their hands and also giving them new clothes.

This water festival in Thailand involves merry making, presenting offerings to monks, releasing birds and fishes into river, paying respect to elders, building sand pagodas, listening to sermons and, more importantly, splashing of water. This is believed to bring longevity, good health and prosperity.

Songkran, “Water War” at Chaweng Beach (Ko Samui). (photo by Per Meistrup, Wikicommons)

In order not to bring bad luck into the New Year, it is a tradition that all houses are completely cleaned a day before the celebration. The Songkran Festival is a period when Thai people splash water on themselves, which they believe will cause plenty of rainfall in the coming year. Water is used to cleanse themselves of those bad things and also a symbol of fertility.

As a tourist, you are presented with the opportunity of enjoying traditional Thai performances and know more about the history of Songkran . Other fun-filled activities include beauty contests, carnivals and parades. There are also several traditional foods to enjoy and great local sports activities.

In several cities across the country, locals celebrate the Songkran festival by splashing water over themselves with a word of blessing. Most young Thai people use pump-action water guns and pump buckets to soak themselves up.

This water festival is one of the most loved and popular events in Thailand. It is the festival that offers loads of excitement while welcoming the traditional Thai New Year with remarkable water splashes and getting all soaked up. The Songkran festival promises to be quite refreshing and fun.

Compared with other Thailand’s festival, Songkran is known to be the best.

Other things to see in Bangkok: Chatuchak Market

About the author roger timbrook.

Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!

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Songkran Festival

Songkran Festival is a tradition that has been passed down since ancient times, together with the New Year’s Day, so it is collectively known as the New Year’s Songkran tradition, meaning New Year’s Eve

Thai New year

Meaning of Songkran

The word “Songkran” is in Sanskrit. Means “Move” is a metaphor for the moving of the zodiac sign, the New Year’s move. In the belief of Thailand and some countries in Southeast Asia

Songkran is also a common culture of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and the Tai minority in Vietnam. Yunnan Province of China, Sri Lanka and eastern India. with the assumption that It is a tradition influenced by the Indian festival of Holi, which is usually held every year during the month of March. by having fun splashing color powder on each other

Songkran in various regions

• April 13th is called Maha Songkran Day.
• April 14 is called Wan Nao.
• April 15th is known as Wan Thaloeng Sok, which is the day of the beginning of a new era.

Northern Lanna

• April 13th is known as Sangkhan Long Day. means the expiration date of another year
• April 14th, known as “Rotten Day”, is a day where obscene speech is prohibited. because it is believed that it will not prosper
• April 15th is called Wan Phaya Wan, which is the day of the change of the new era.
• April 13th is known as the Old City Lord’s Day or the Old City Lord’s Day. because there is a belief that the angels who protect the country return to gather in heaven
• April 14th, known as the day of free time, is the day without the guardian angels of the city. Everyone will go to make merit at the temple.
• April 15th is known as the day to accept the new governor. is the day of receiving a new angel who has been assigned to take care of the city instead of the old one

Songkran ceremony

Traditional Songkran Festival There will be a Songkran ceremony performed in the family. Water will be used as the main element of the ceremony due to the astronomical calculation that the sun moves into Aries. which is summer Therefore, they use water to give each other a refreshing feeling in the hot summer.

• Bathing Buddha images at home and at temples for good fortune including making merit, offering food to monks
• Watering is a New Year’s greeting to each other.
• Watering the elders is to bless respected adults, parents, teachers.
• The black head is a Songkran ceremony in the north. It is similar to watering adults in the central region. It is a request for forgiveness for something that has already passed or a New Year’s wish from an elder.
• Carrying sand into the temple is believed that to be auspicious to be happy and prosperous as much gold as the grains of sand carried into the temple and another belief is Bringing the sand that is attached to the feet from the temple is a sin, so carry the sand into the temple so that it is not a sin.

The legend of Songkran

The legend about Nang Songkran It has appeared in the inscription at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangklaram or Wat Pho. Tha Tian in short When Songkran Festival falls on which day of the year? There will be a Songkran lady of that day.

Thammaban Kumar is the son of the god Indra gave him to be born in the womb of a rich man’s wife. Growing up, he learned the language of birds. and completed tri-type studies when he was only 7 years old, so he became a teacher of various mongkol to all จOne day, Thao Kabilphrom came down to ask about 3 problems with the pediatric thammaban. But if he can’t answer, the child’s head will be cut off by himself. By Dharmaban, the pediatrician asked to answer questions in 7 days.

When the time came, Thao Kabilphrom came as promised. Thammaban then brought the answer he heard from the bird to answer Thao Kabilprom. Causing Thao Kabilprom to lose in answering this question. And before cutting off the head, Thao Kabil Phrom called the seven daughters who were angels. to support the pedestal because the head of Thao Kabil Brahma is the gathering place of all evil. If placed on the earth the fire will burn the world. If thrown into the air, the rain will dry. If thrown into the ocean, the water will dry up.

The 7 daughters therefore have the duty to take turns taking care of the head of Thao Kabil Phrom, and every year they will turn around to perform the duty of summoning the head of Thao Kabilprom. paraded around Mount Phra Sumen for 60 minutes and enshrined in Khanthuli Cave in Khao Krailas. Nang Songkran, each of them will take turns according to the Songkran Festival.

Name of Mrs. Songkran for all 7 days

When Songkran Festival falls on which day of the year? There will be a Songkran lady of that day. The name of Mrs. Songkran is as follows.

• Tungsadewi , Miss Songkran of the Sunday
• Korat Dhevi , Miss Songkran of Mondays
• Raksa Devi , Miss Songkran on Tuesday
• Montha Devi , Miss Songkran on Wednesday
• Kirinee Devi , Miss Songkran of Thursday
• Kimita Devi , Miss Songkran of Friday
• Mahothorn Devi , Songkran Lady of the Saturday

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What is Songkran Festival?

Apr 12, 2019

If you visit Thailand in April – the hottest month of the year, you will undoubtedly find yourself exposed to high temperature. But ‘fear no more the heat o’ the sun’, you can join the locals in the water fight and cool yourself off during this lively Songkran festival.

What is Songkran

Songkran (สงกรานต์ in Thai or संक्रांति in Sanskrit) is a Sanskrit word for ‘a move’ or ‘a change’ since the celebration occurs during the period where the sun changes its position in the zodiac. Each of the three days have their own name and different significance.

The 13 th is the Grand Songkran Day, which is the first day of the year according to the Thai lunar calendar.

The 14 th is considered Thailand’s National Family Day.

Lastly, the 15 th marks Thai National Elderly Day.

Undoubtedly, Songkran festival revolves around family values and reuniting with the loved ones. Therefore, this 3-day national holiday is equivalent to that of Christmas in the Christian traditions.

Thammabal solved the riddles and Kabilla Phrom kept his word. However, his head had strange powers that could cause disasters. If it should touch the ground, the earth would catch fire; if it were to be left in the air, there would be no rain and if it were to be dropped into the sea, the sea would run dry.

To save the world, Kabilla Phrom’s 7 daughters or Nang Songkran (นางสงกรานต์) agreed to take turns to carry their father’s head on a golden phan or tray (พานทอง) around Mount Meru each year.

Since then the celebration was called Songkran and was adopted by many Southeast Asian countries. It is also believed that Nang Songkrans who take turn in carrying the golden phan each year possess different characteristics.

As a result, their traits can implicate future circumstances within the country in the coming year.

Moreover, Thai people would also gently sprinkle water onto their family members and friends as a blessing for the coming year. Paying reverence to ancestors is also a significant part of Songkran festival.

All of these rituals were deemed auspicious. Such activities are still performed in the modern-day Songkran festival, but only as part of the celebration by younger generations.

Modern-day Songkran

Do not go out if you do not plan to get water-soaked! Some people also mix powder with water and apply it on strangers on streets.

Major destinations for Songkran are Silom, Siam, and Thanon Khao San in Bangkok, while Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen are also popular outside the capital. This crazily fun way to celebrate Songkran is a memorable, not-to-be-miss activity you should participate if you are in Thailand in April.

However, remember to be careful and respectful to your fellows as the fight can be escalated and become an assault which no one wants to happen.

Songkran Tips

• Protect your phone or camera with a plastic bag, or leave it at a safe place to avoid being damaged. Waterproof cameras suit this event best!
• Have fun in major destinations; get to know the locals and real Songkran in local water fights in the city centre in each province.
• NO ESCAPE – you will get wet everywhere you go.
• Say ‘Sawasdee Bpee Mai’ = ‘Happy New Year’
• Or ‘Suksan Wan Songkran’ = ‘Happy Songkran Day’

สุขสันต์วันสงกรานต์ค่ะ ‘Suksan Wan Songkran ka’

By Kruu Guggwang

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Get the scoop on this splashy spring festival in Thailand.

Bring out the water hoses, and don’t be afraid to get a little wet! Songkran, a festival marking the Thai New Year, is all about making a fresh start with a splash.

WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE

The festival in Thailand kicks off on April 13 and usually lasts three days, though festivities can start early or end later in some cities. The holiday’s main focus is about moving forward—in fact, the word Songkran comes from a phrase in the Sanskrit language that means “passage of the sun.”

Water plays a major role in the festival. Symbolically it washes away the previous year so people can get ready for the next one. But many other Songkran traditions use water as well.

SPRING CLEANING

People prepare for the new year by cleaning houses, schools, offices, and other public spaces. They’re joined by family members who have moved away and returned for the holiday to spend time with loved ones.

Many families wake up early during Songkran and visit Buddhist temples, where they bring offerings such as food and listen to monks as they preach. (Buddhism is a religion practiced mostly in eastern and central Asia.) Visitors sprinkle clean or scented water over statues of Buddha—the person believed to have started Buddhism—to represent purification and good fortune. Younger people also pour water on the hands of elderly relatives and friends to show their respect and ask for blessings in the coming year.

Some temple visitors bring sand, which is meant to replenish the sand that’s been carried away on shoes throughout the year. They leave the sand in stupas (or mounds) on the ground, which are then decorated with colorful flags and flowers.

SUPER SOAKED

Honoring family traditions and religious practices are important parts of Songkran, but so is having some fun. Outside, Songkran is celebrated with street parties featuring loud music and a giant friendly water fight.

People collect water in buckets, squirt guns, and anything else they can find, then hit the streets to playfully splash each other. It’s a good thing April is one of the hottest months of the year in Thailand!

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Songkran 2025: What to Expect for Thai New Year (Water Festival)

• What is Songkran Festival

When is Songkran Festival 2025?

The three days of songkran, how to celebrate songkran festival.

• Where to Celebrate Songkran Festival
• History and Origin
• Travel Tips for Celebrating Songkran

Songkran (Thai name：เทศกาลสงกรานต์), the Thai New Year, is the most important festival in Thailand. With celebrations lasting up to a week, Thai New Year marks the end of the dry season with religious ceremonies and water fights, which are a trademark of the festival.

What is Songkran Festival?

The word Songkran means 'to move' or 'movement' in Thai. Songkran Festival is determined according to the movement of the sun from one zodiac position (Pisces) to a new one (Aries). Songkran is also known as the Water Splashing Festival, which is celebrated to mark the New Year in Thailand. 

As a symbol of renewal in Buddhism, water is splashed on statues of Buddha for good luck, and younger generations bathe the hands of the elderly to receive their blessing in return. Finally, people gather in the streets to join in huge "water fights" — fun and celebratory mutual splashing.

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Songkran Festival is celebrated from April 13th to April 15th every year.  There is an official opening ceremony on 13th April to mark the start of the Songkran Festival in big cities of Thailand. In many places of Thailand, the holiday extends to 5–10 days or more.

You might be curious about why the Thai New Year is in April. The Thais migrated from southern China into Thailand around 200 BC. Their calendar was lunar, but after migrating southwards they had to adapt to the different temperatures of Central Thailand, and they decided to switch New Year to April, to coincide with the end of the dry season. 

April 13th: The first day of the new year is known as Song Nam Phra ('Pouring Water on Monks') Day. There are processions of Buddha images all across the country. This is the day when the biggest water fights happen.

April 14th: This day is also known as Wan Nao and it celebrates the old Thai New Year's Eve. This is also National Family Day when everyone is encouraged to spend quality time with their families.

April 15th: On this day, the New Year begins. This day is also known as Wan Payawan ('Bathing Buddha') Day. There are parties and celebrations everywhere, with ongoing water fights, concerts, street food, and much more!

There are many traditional activities held during Songkran Festival, including the famous water splashing, cleaning houses and Buddha statues, merit-making in temples, as well as exciting street and beach Songkran parties.

1. Water Splashing

Water fights are an important part of the New Year celebrations. April is the hottest time of year in Thailand and splashing each other with water is an excellent way to cool down. Streets are closed to traffic and used as arenas: huge crowds of people gather to "fight" with water using pipes, buckets, and water guns. It's an activity that the younger generations love: foreigners are more than welcome to join in!

2. Cleaning

Like at Chinese New Year, Thai people clean their houses, schools, temples, offices, and other public places to welcome in the New Year with a fresh and clean environment. Merit-making: Most Thai people like to give gifts of food to monks in the temples and worship their ancestors during the Songkran Festival. The monks give them words of wisdom after receiving the food gifts.

3. Merit Making

Merit making is an important part of Songkran Festival. Thai people go to temples and offer food and clothing to the monks and listen to their Buddhist preaching. Offerings to the monks include preserved food, fruits, cooked dishes, and new robes for the monks.

4. Releashing Birds and Fish

Releasing birds and fish back to their natural habitats: Thai people see this practice of giving freedom to living creatures as part of their Buddhist belief that releasing animals to freedom returns back good fortune.

5. Folk Performances and Games

Folk performances and games are organized for enjoyment during Songkran. There are Thai beauty pageant competitions displaying traditional Thai dress and street parades. Other interesting activities during Songkran Festival include street food vendors, flag ceremonies, Thai dances, and boat races.

6. Building Sand Pagodas

Building sand pagodas on temple grounds involves Thai people bringing some sand to temples during the Songkran Festival. The sand can be used to build sand pagodas or repair temples. Helping with temple maintenance and helping monks in general is regarded as good practice during Songkran Festival.

Where to Celebrate Songkran Festival in 2025

Songkran Festival is celebrated all over Thailand. Big cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai hold bigger celebrations than other small towns or villages. Northern areas of Thailand have much longer celebrations than southern parts do.

Here are some popular destinations that most tourists like to visit to experience the Songkran Festival.

Songkran in Bangkok

The capital of Thailand is a unique place if you wish to enjoy Thai New Year. On Silom, a 5-kilometer-long (3-mile long) street in the center of the city, thousands of people gather to splash water on everyone with anything they can find, from buckets to water guns.

Opposite the Grand Palace, on Sanam Luang, you can admire a statue of the Buddha on the 13th of April. The statue will be carried around so people can sprinkle water on it for good luck. People also build sand pagodas and visit the temples for 'merit-making'.

Heading to the temples will enable you to participate in traditional Songkran customs: People go there to offer food to the monks, and to gain merit by paying their respects to the Buddha and their ancestors, and by pouring scented water on the statues of Buddha.

Songkran in Chiang Mai

This beautiful town in the north of Thailand hosts the biggest Songkran celebrations in the world. There are water fights all over the city: if you find yourself near the Ping River, or near canals or lakes, be prepared to be soaked from head to toe! On 12th April, you can participate in a parade with Buddha images from all over the city, accompanied by minstrels and local people.

Buddhists spend the 13th and 14th going to a wat (a Buddhist monastery) to pray and offer food to monks. They wash the statues of Buddha in their houses with perfumed water.

People carry sand to their monastery as compensation for all the sand they brought away under their feet during the year. The sand is used to build a stupa decorated with colorful flags. On the 15th, people pay homage to their ancestors and elders.

Songkran in Pattaya

Known as the party city of Thailand, Pattaya has the longest festival celebrations in Thailand. Water splashing "fights" begin from the morning of 13 April on every beach road in Pattaya. Live music stages and foam machines are set up to attract crowds to join in the great party. Moving pick-up trucks are used as mobile stages on the road with loud music playing all day. All tourists and locals enjoy Songkran's happiness.

Songkran in Phuket

Patong Beach area is the most popular place to celebrate Songkran Festival in Phuket . Tourists and local people splash water at everyone and enjoying a big party. There are live music shows and traditional Thai dancing performances around Saphan Hin Park in Phuket Town. In the streets along Bangla Road, there are many pickups employed to provide water to throw at everyone during Songkran Festival.

Happy Songkran Greetings

How to Wish People a Happy Songkran Festival? Like Chinese New Year, Songkran Festival, i.e. Thai New Year, is the time for Thai people to celebrate their New Year and gather together at their families' generational homes. If you are in Thailand during Songkran Festival, then you'd be able to get into the New Year spirit more by learning some Thai words to wish the local people a happy Songkran Festival. Here are some popular greetings:

1. 'Happy Songkran!'

สวัสดีวันสงกรานต์

Sà-wàt-dee bpee mài!

2. 'Happy Songkran!'

สุขสันต์วันสงกรานต์

Sùk-săn wan sŏng-graan!

3. 'I wish you a happy Songkran. May you get what you wish for.'

ขอให้มีความสุขวันสงกรานต์ ขออะไรได้อย่างนั้น

Kŏr hâi mee kwaam sùk wan sŏng-graan. Kŏr à-rai dâai yàang nán.

Songkran History and Origin

Songkran originated from the ancient Indian Festival of Makar Sankriti, which recognizes the sun's celestial path. Thai people have taken it as the change of the old year into a new one. For Buddhists, this auspicious movement of the heavenly bodies marks an important day.

In the past, Thai New Year was celebrated on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar. Today, it is observed in the fifth month. The reasons for this change relate to a leaving behind of the former customs of the Thai people in the south of China, whose culture was one of rice farming and Buddhism, which incorporates a lot of astrological beliefs.

Travel Tips for Celebrating Songkran in Thailand

Water fights are an extremely fun way to celebrate the Songkran Festival. If you want to join them, follow these tips to avoid any problems.

• 1. Follow the rules: it's a "war", but there are rules. Use clean fresh water and water guns (high-pressure guns are prohibited), and don't shoot people in the eyes.
• 2. Be careful: April is the hottest month of the year in Thailand, with temperatures that can reach up to 40 degrees Celcius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
• 3. Wet powder: a lot of people will spread wet powder on your face to bless you (except on Khao San Road in Bangkok, where it is prohibited). Carry a bottle of water to wash your face afterwards.
• 4. Dress code: it's better to use swim goggles and swimsuits. Always wear a t-shirt (fighting topless is illegal).
• 5. Protect your electronic devices using a waterproof bag.
• 6. Avoid driving: traffic in Thailand is extremely dense. During Songkran, thousands of people will be driving on the streets, making the roads particularly dangerous.
• 7. Don't splash water on monks, the elderly, babies, pregnant women, and people who are working. Try to respect people who wouldn't expect to participate in the water fight.
• 8. Don't take off your dress or shirt even you have got wet. You can get arrested, as it violates the values and culture of Thailand.

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• 7 Facts About Songkran Festival That Might Surprise Even Thais

Songkran festival facts

Songkran festival is Thailand’s biggest and longest holiday. The stories of water fights along Khaosan Road are the stuff of legends. Despite that, most people, including Thais, often don’t know about the holiday’s myth origins, and customs beyond the water fights. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of Songkran facts so that you’ll know just how this holiday came to be.

Here are 7 Songkran festival facts that might surprise you.

1. Songkran festival is the Thai traditional new year

What makes Songkran festival special to Thais? Apart from the obvious long holiday that we always look forward to, Songkran would mark the coming of the new year.

While the holiday takes place at a fixed date from 13-15 April now, it was originally based on astrology and the solar calendar. The royal palace would even make an announcement to the public as to when the new year was coming.

In the late 1800s, the Thai new year would be changed to a fixed date of 1 April. In 1941, Thailand would use 1 January as the official new year with Songkran being made a national holiday instead.

2. Songkran means “movement” or “passage” in Sanskrit

Like many fancy Thai words, Songkran derives from Sanskrit. Specifically, “Sankranti” which refers to the transmigration of the sun from one zodiac to another.

As mentioned above, Songkran is based on the solar calendar, so this transmigration of the sun for Thais specifically refers to when the sun moves from Pisces to Aries in April.

It can also mean “movement” or “passage.”

3. Each of the 3 days of Songkran stands for something different

The 3 days of Songkran each stand for something.

The 1st day is called “Maha Songkran” (มหาสงกรานต์), and is also referred to as National Elderly Day. On this day, people will often visit their older relatives to pay their respects.

The 2nd day is called “Wan Nao” (วันเนา). It is also called Family Day, and as such people will often spend the day with their families.

The 3rd day is called “Wan Thaloeng Sok” (วันเถลิงศก). This is the day of the New Year. It is customary for people to wear at least one new piece of clothing to boost their fortune for the coming year.

4. Each Thai region has their own flair

While the general gist of Songkran is shared across the 4 regions of Thailand, there are unique customs that make each region distinct.

These include:

In the north, there is a belief that during dusk on 13 April, spirits wearing a red shirt on a boat will bring bad luck. People will drive away the bad luck through gunfire or firecrackers.

In the south, there is a custom called “Wan Wang” (วันว่าง), or “free day.” So on Songkran, southern Thais will abstain from doing work of any kind. There are also other little rules like to not trim your nails, to not cut your hair, and to not harm animals.

5. Songkran is also celebrated in other countries

While the Thai Songkran is certainly one of the better known versions, many of Thailand’s neighbours also have their own celebrations around this time.

Some of these include Cambodia’s New Year, also known as Sangkranta. There’s also Pana Sankranti which is celebrated by Odisha in eastern India, and Sangken celebrated in northern India and Bangladesh. Finally, parts of southern China and Malaysia also celebrate a version of this holiday.

6. The original legend of Songkran is about a boy beating a god’s challenge

The stories of the origins of Songkran are about the death of Kapila Brahma (ท้าวกบิลพรหม), sometimes spelled Kapila Phrom, when the god lost a bet against a young child. Kapila Phrom challenged Thammabal (ธรรมบาล), after learning of his cleverness.

The challenge was a riddle, and the child was given 7 days to figure out an answer. The loser of this bet would have his head chopped off.

The riddle stumped the young child, but luck went his way when he eavesdropped on a pair of eagles who were planning on eating the boy after the boy lost the challenge. The eagles gave him the necessary answers, which the boy memorised and repeated to Kapila Brahma.

The god conceded. Before he was beheaded, he called for his 7 daughters, whom he tasked with taking care of his head. That’s because if his head fell to Earth, disaster would befall the lands.

That’s why there are 7 Nang Songkrans (Lady Songkran) for each day of the week, who would place the head on an elevated tray and lead a procession.

7. Despite its religious origins, Songkran has become a water fight festival filled with parties

Songkran has roots in Buddhism with traces all the way back to India. Yet despite its religious background, modern day Songkran is much more known for its amazing water fights and parties.

If you don’t know where to go for some of the best water festivals or parties, check out our guide to where to celebrate Songkran in Bangkok here .

Songkran festival is a time for respect, but also a time for fun

While respecting Songkran’s religious origins and traditional customs is certainly important, it is equally important to enjoy what the holiday has become. So go out there, get wet, cool down from the heat, and have tons of fun.

But if you’re still unsure of where to go, check out our guide to things to do in April . Alternatively, here are some massage parlours near BTS stations that’ll help if you have foot pain from all that backpacking.

Cover image adapted from: JJ Harrison via Wikimedia Commons, zhanyoun via Wikimedia Commons, educatepark.com

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• Songkran festival in Thailand

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Background Songkran is rooted in the distant past. Ancient Indian Brahmins considered the passing of the moon, sun and planets into the zodiac sign of Aries to signal a new astrological year. The Sanskrit term s ongkran implies “ascending” or “moving on,” and this astronomical event takes place in April. For the ancients, animals emerging from hibernation, and trees bearing blossoms, probably contributed to this feeling of a fresh start .

Like so many influences from India, the April new year was adopted by the Thais, and adapted to become a distinctive part of Thai culture. Celebrated during the Thai hot season, before the monsoon rains, it’s a time when farmers are free from routine duties and a little water splashing helps to keep everyone cool. The Thais (also the Mon, Shan, Lao and others) have probably celebrated Songkran, in some way, since at least the 13th century.

Customs While today’s Songkran can seem like it’s all about getting wet and crazy, traditionally the holiday focuses on renewal – and the old customs are still very much alive.

It begins by sweeping out houses, shops and schools to get rid of anything that was a negative influence over the past year. At temples, Buddha images are scrubbed clean by the monks, then sprinkled with scented water by the faithful. This blessed water, known in Thai as nam om , is later used in a ceremony to honour the elders. Young people gently wash the old folks’ hands in exchange for a blessing and a white string, symbolising longevity, which is tied around the wrist.

In one colourful aspect of Songkran that’s become a big draw for tourists, sacred Buddha images are removed from their wats and paraded around their communities. In the old days, the images would have been placed on carts or elephant-back, but with some exceptions (see below), pick-up trucks often do the job today.

At some point in the evolution of Songkran, revellers began splashing water on each other as a lighthearted extension of the cleansing custom. Usual inhibitions were gradually tossed aside. Laypeople could throw water on monks and young men and women could splash their crushes, gaining the holiday a reputation as a time for fun and courtship. Both of these are alive and thriving in today’s Songkran.

Festival-goers also rub white talcum powder onto the faces of friends and strangers, a custom thought to bring good luck and protection — and is another means for young people to show their affection. This also has roots in India, where people have long used powders to mark different religious blessings and to celebrate festivals, Holi being the most obvious example. In everyday Thai life, monks use talcum to draw protective symbols on vehicles and in houses.

On temple grounds, tradition dictates the building of small sand stupas with coins buried inside for good luck. Once completed, the sandcastle mounds are decorated with ribbons, candles, joss sticks, shells and flowers, and then sprinkled with scented water. Many temples also hold fairs with plenty of food, beauty pageants, folk performances and the ritual of releasing caged birds and fish.

Could the ancient Brahmins have anticipated what Songkran would become? Probably not. But even today’s all-out water battles are rooted in these much older, gentler traditions. So when teenagers douse you in ice-cold water and laugh hysterically, keep in mind that they’re only performing an act of benevolent kindness.

Preparing and staying safe For many foreigners and a growing number of young Thais, Songkran today is defined by water guns, wet T-shirts and no shortage of booze. It’s undoubtedly the biggest bash of the year in Thailand: think New Year’s Day, the Fourth of July/Guy Fawkes Day/Canada Day/Australia Day and the last day of elementary school, all rolled into one huge shebang.

Make no mistake: you are going to get soaked . For the full three days (and extra days before and after in some places), Thais will bring buckets, water guns, hoses, fire cannons, coconut husks, plastic pails — anything that projects water — and employ them to drench anyone and everyone. You have two choices: stay in doors, or get your own water gun and go on the defensive.

Stick with flip flops on the feet and don’t forget sunblock, sunglasses (or goggles can be effective for tactical water fighting missions) and plenty of dry underwear for afterwards.

Place any valuables in water-proof plastic bags , which are sold everywhere during Songkran alongside water guns and balloons. Everyone wants photos of this event, but please don’t risk your expensive non-waterproof camera. As we once learned the hard way, the corner of a noodle shop does not provide adequate protection.

On a serious note, Thailand’s roads are dangerous at any time, but the risk jumps exponentially during Songkran , when drunk/reckless driving is more common than usual. During Songkran 2014, 3,225 people were injured in road accidents and an additional 322 people died. It cannot be stressed enough: be very careful crossing the street or getting in a taxi or tuk tuk. Renting a motorbike to ride through a party area is probably not a wise decision, even for the experienced.

To sum up, use common sense . Don’t get so drunk that you can’t walk. Don’t take rides from tuk tuk drivers who smell like a bar. Don’t feel bad about walking away from people who are being aggressive.

Where to go Songkran is celebrated all over Thailand, with several places displaying their own regional traditions. We’ve suggested some of the more popular destinations below, but you could have a great experience in just about any city, town or village.

Chiang Mai is a top destination for taking part in the full range of Songkran activities. Huge crowds of water-gun-toting locals, expats and travellers overrun the banks of the old quarter moat, where water is pumped into hoses for continual soakage. Elaborate ceremonies take place at historic temples like Wat Phra Singh , and an impressive parade lumbers up Tha Phae Road. The city also celebrates for two extra days, totalling five full days of water tossing.

Bangkok becomes almost unrecognisable during Songkran . Millions of taxi drivers and labourers return to their home towns, leaving most of the normally choked streets free of traffic. Along with ceremonies at Sanam Luang and several temples, huge water parties take place at Khao San Road, Silom Road and Royal City Avenue. The Mon enclave of Phra Phradaeng puts on its own terrific festival on the Sunday following April 13-15.

The ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya is a great option for those who hope to see Songkran in its more traditional incarnation. The highlight is a lengthy elephant procession, with ceremonies, beauty pageants, folk performances and plenty of water splashing taking place around the historical park . Not far to the north of Ayutthaya, Suphanburi is also a good choice, especially if you want to avoid other foreign tourists.

A major city in Thailand’s northeastern Isaan, Khon Kaen hosts one of the kingdom’s largest Songkran festivals. Centring on Khao Niao (Sticky Rice) Road, the city turns out a colourful ox cart parade along with a wide array of folk performances and a food fair at Kaen Nakhon Lake . Another good option in Isaan is Nong Khai , which holds its own parade alongside the Mekong River.

Phuket gets things rolling with a ceremony in the island province’s capital city on the first day. The water fighting party is centred at Bangla Road in Patong , with the other major beach towns also getting in on the action. If you’re in Southern Thailand and want a more traditional Songkran, Nakhon Si Thammarat holds a large Buddha image parade and an interesting swinging contest that derives from an ancient Hindu ritual.

If you’re planning to travel right before Songkran , be sure to book your tickets as early as possible. Train tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai , for example, will be sold out weeks in advance. Long-distance buses will have more available seats, but it’s still a good idea to purchase tickets at least a day or two beforehand. Most public transport, both local and inter-provincial, operates normally during the actual festival. If heading to one of the major Songkran destinations, advanced hotel bookings are also recommended.

We understand that getting drenched for several days straight is not for everyone. If you want to avoid Songkran without locking yourself up in a hotel room, you might head to a remote island, like Ko Kut or Ko Phayam , or a national park. The other option is to leave Thailand, though keep in mind that Burma, Laos and Cambodia each celebrate the related festivals of Thingyan , Phimai Lao and Chaul Chnam Thmey , respectively, around the same time.

Reviewed by Travelfish

This piece was authored on an anonymous basis.

Further reading

• Are Thailand’s cheap guesthouses disappearing?
• Favourite budget beach bungalows in Thailand
• Where to do a Buddhist meditation retreat in Thailand
• Geographical names in Thailand
• Geography of I-san or northeastern Thailand
• Isaan: People and history
• Letters from Thailand
• Thai massage: a primer
• The real deal with Anna and the King
• Kayan or “Long Neck Karen”
• Life in the Andaman Sea islands
• Spirits of the Yellow Leaves
• Loy Krathong in Thailand
• A review of Eating Thai Food
• Durian: King of Thai fruits
• How Thai restaurants in touristy areas get it wrong
• How to eat street food: Noodle soup
• How to eat street food: Thai coffee
• Khao niaow bing and other Thai sticky rice goodies
• Lunch in Thailand: Kap khao restaurants
• Northeastern Thai spicy salads
• Pla tuu (mackerel fish) in Thailand
• Vegetarian Thai Food Guide
• 10 Thai treks aside from Chiang Mai
• Trekking in Thailand
• What are the alternatives to Bangkok?
• Far southern Thailand: Go or not?
• Haze in Northern Thailand
• Medical treatment in Thailand
• Should I cancel my trip to Thailand? No.
• A Litany of Scams: Thailand
• Corruption in Thailand
• Is it cheaper to book hotels and guesthouses in Thailand with Agoda?
• Tax refund for tourists in Thailand: free cash
• Getting a Thai SIM card
• The SET Foundation
• Phrases every visitor to Thailand should know: Jai yen
• Phrases every visitor to Thailand should know: Mai pen rai
• Phrases every visitor to Thailand should know: Sabai

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Early history, medieval history and russian expansion, rise of the mining-metallurgical era, soviet ural, post-soviet transition, administrative divisions, demographics, settlements, ethnic groups, chairmen of the oblast duma, chairmen of the house of representatives of the legislative assembly, economy and transportation, sister relationships, notable people, external links.

Most of the oblast is spread over the eastern slopes of the Middle and North Urals and the Western Siberian Plain . Only in the southwest does the oblast stretch onto the western slopes of the Ural Mountains .

The highest mountains all rise in the North Urals, Konzhakovsky Kamen at 1,569 metres (5,148   ft) and Denezhkin Kamen at 1,492 metres (4,895   ft) . The Middle Urals is mostly hilly country with no discernible peaks; the mean elevation is closer to 300 to 500 metres (980 to 1,640   ft) above sea level. [9] Principal rivers include the Tavda , the Tura , the Chusovaya , and the Ufa , the latter two being tributaries of the Kama .

Sverdlovsk Oblast borders with, clockwise from the west, Perm Krai , the Komi Republic , Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug , Tyumen Oblast , Kurgan , and Chelyabinsk Oblasts , and the Republic of Bashkortostan .

The area is traversed by the northeasterly line of equal latitude and longitude.

Rich in natural resources, the oblast is especially famous for metals ( iron , copper , gold , platinum ), minerals ( asbestos , gemstones , talcum ), marble and coal . It is mostly here that the bulk of Russian industry was concentrated in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The area has continental climate patterns, with long cold winters (average temperatures reaching −15   °C (5   °F) to −25   °C (−13   °F) on the Western Siberian Plain) and short warm summers. Only in the southeast of the oblast do temperatures reach +30   °C (86   °F) in July.

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The territory of the region has been inhabited since ancient times. Numerous sites of ancient people were discovered, dating from the Paleolithic to the Iron Age. The Upper Paleolithic includes the Garinsky site on the right bank of the Sosva river near the village of Gari , the site in the Shaitansky grotto, and the site in the Bezymyanny cave (X millennium BC). [10] [11] In 1890, the 11 thousand years old (Mesolithic) Shigir idol was discovered. [12]

A settlement and a burial ground in the Kalmatsky Brod tract are located on the right bank of the Iset river and date back to the Sarmatian time (from the 3rd century BC to the 2nd century AD). They belong to the Kalmak archaeological culture. In the Kalmatsky Brod burial ground, the skeletal skulls were strongly deformed by tight bandaging in early childhood, which indicates the penetration of steppe ethnic elements to the north. [13]

There are numerous pictograms on the Koptelovsky stone, on the Oblique stone, on the Two-eyed stone, Starichnaya, Serginskaya, the rock paintings of the Bronze Age on the Neyva River, Tagil River (villages Brekhovaya, Gaevaya, Komelskaya), rock carvings on Shaitan-Kamen on the right bank of the Rezh river tied to indigenous Ural population, possibly speakers of a Ugric language . [14] [15] The Gostkovskaya Pisanitsa refers to the Middle Ages. [12]

Before the first Russian colonists arrived to the region, it was populated by various Turkic and Ugrian tribes. By the 16th century, when the Middle Urals were under influence of various Tatar khanates, the strongest local state was the Vogul Pelym principality with its center in Pelym .

The Russian conquest of the Khanate of Kazan in the 1550s paved the way further east, which was now free from Tatar depredations (see Yermak Timofeyevich ). The first surviving Russian settlements in the area date back to the late 16th   – early 17th centuries ( Verkhoturye , 1598; Turinsk , 1600; Irbit , 1633; Alapayevsk , 1639). At that time, those small trading posts were governed under Siberian administration in Tobolsk . After the 1708 administrative reform, Verkhoturye, Pelym and Turinsk became a part of the new Siberian Governorate , in 1737 their territories were assigned to the Kazan Governorate .

During the 18th century, rich resources of iron and coal made Ural an industrial heartland of Russia. After getting control over Ural mines, the Demidov family put the region in the forefront of Russian industrialization. Yekaterinburg , Nevyansk and Tagil ironworks, founded in the 1700s to 1720s, soon joined the ranks of the major producers in Europe. Throughout the 18th and 19th century those newly founded factory towns enjoyed a status of special mining-metallurgical districts allowed to have a certain rate of financial and proprietary autonomy. During the 1781 reform middle Ural finally got its own regional administration in the form of the Perm Governorate .

When in 1812 the Russian government legalized gold digging for its citizens, Middle Ural became a center of gold mining. Entrepreneurs of the Perm Governorate also started the gold rush in West Siberia, soon Yekaterinburgers began to dominate the Russian market of precious metals and gemstones.

After the emancipation reform of 1861 , major Middle Uralian industries that were heavily dependent on serf labor entered decline, although it also allowed light industry to thrive. In 1878, Perm and Yekaterinburg were connected with a railroad, in 1888, railroads reached Tyumen , and ultimately, in 1897, Yekaterinburg joined the Trans-Siberian network . Emergence of railroad transportation helped to revitalize economy of Ural.

The Bolsheviks established their power in Yekaterinburg and Perm during the first days of the October Revolution of 1917. In early 1918 the dethroned Czar Nicholas II and his family were transferred under custody to Yekaterinburg. Local Bolsheviks decided autonomously to execute the royal family on July 17, 1918, to prevent its rescue of by the approaching White Army forces. Ten days later Yekaterinburg was captured by the Czechoslovak troops of Sergei Wojciechowski . For the next year the Anti-bolshevik forces took control over the region. On 19 August 1918, Provisional Government of Ural was formed in Yekaterinburg by a coalition of liberal and democratic socialist parties, it was supposed to serve as a buffer between the Komuch and Provisional Siberian governments. After the Kolchak coup d'état in Omsk in November 1918, the Government of Ural was disbanded.

In July 1919, in the course of the Yekaterinburg offense, Yekaterinburg and the surrounding areas were recaptured by the Red Army forces under command of Vasily Shorin . On the July 15th, the Perm Governorate was split by the Soviets and the east, for the first time in history, became a separate region, the Yekaterinburg Governorate. It was soon abolished and replaced by the Ural Oblast (1923-1934).

In the 1930s many industrial enterprises were established and built with the help of forced labour. [16] Local industry received another impetus during World War II, when important producing facilities were relocated here from the European part of Russia to safeguard them from the advancing Germans (for example, IMZ-Ural , Kamensk-Uralsky Metallurgical Works ). In the postwar period much of the region was off-limits to foreigners. It was over Sverdlovsk that the American U-2 spy plane pilot Gary Powers was shot down on May 1, 1960, while on a reconnaissance mission.

In 1979, there was an anthrax outbreak caused by an accident in a facility to develop biological weapons.

In 1993, Governor Eduard Rossel responded to perceived economic inequality by attempting to create a " Ural Republic ." Sverdlovsk led the "Urals Five" ( Kurgan Oblast , Orenburg Oblast , Perm Krai , Chelyabinsk Oblast and Sverdlovsk) in a call for greater regional power. They argued that the oblasts deserved as much power as the ethnic homeland republics . The Urals Republic Constitution went into effect on October 27, 1993. Then Russian President Boris Yeltsin dissolved the Urals Republic and the Sverdlovsk Parliament 10 days later (on November 9).

Population : 4,268,998   ( 2021 Census ) ; [5] 4,297,747   ( 2010 Russian census ) ; [17] 4,486,214   ( 2002 Census ) ; [18] 4,716,768   ( 1989 Soviet census ) . [19]

Vital statistics for 2022: [20] [21]

• Births: 39,958 (9.4 per 1,000)
• Deaths: 59,316 (13.9 per 1,000)

Total fertility rate (2022): [22] 1.56 children per woman

Life expectancy (2021): [23] Total — 68.79 years (male   — 63.72, female   — 73.80)

There were twenty-one recognized ethnic groups of more than two thousand persons each in the oblast. Residents identified themselves as belonging to a total of 148 different ethnic groups, including: [17]

• 3,684,843 Russians (90.6%);
• 143,803 Tatars (3.5%);
• 35,563 Ukrainians (0.9%);
• 31,183 Bashkirs (0.8%);
• 23,801 Mari (0.6%);
• 14,914 Germans (0.4%);
• 14,215 Azerbaijanis (0.3%);
• 13,789 Udmurts (0.3%);
• 11,670 Belarusians (0.3%);
• 11,510 Chuvash (0.26%);
• 11,501 Armenians (0.3%);
• 11,138 Tajiks (0.3%);
• 9,702 Mordovians (0.22%);
• 9,358 Uzbeks (0.2%);

232,978 people were registered from administrative databases, and could not declare an ethnicity. It is estimated that the proportion of ethnicities in this group is the same as that of the declared group. [24]

Christianity is the largest religion in Sverdlovsk Oblast. According to a 2012 survey [25] 43% of the population of Sverdlovsk Oblast adheres to the Russian Orthodox Church , 5% are nondenominational Christians (excluding Protestant churches), 3% are Muslims , 2% are Orthodox Christian believers without belonging to any Church or are members of other Orthodox churches , 1% are adherents of the Slavic native faith (Rodnovery), and 0.3% are adherents of forms of Hinduism ( Vedism , Krishnaism or Tantrism ). In addition, 36% of the population declares to be "spiritual but not religious", and 9.7% is atheist . [25]

The most important institutions of higher education include Ural Federal University , Ural State Medical University , Ural State University of Economics , Ural State Law University , Ural State Mining University and Ural State Academy of Architecture and Arts , all located in the capital Yekaterinburg.

The oblast's Charter, adopted on 17 December 1994, with subsequent amendments, establishes the oblast government. The Governor is the chief executive, who appoints the Government, consisting of ministries and departments. The Chairman of the Government, commonly referred to as the Prime Minister, is appointed with the consent of the lower house of the legislature , a process similar to the appointment of the federal Prime Minister . But the Governor cannot nominate the same candidate more than twice, yet he/she can dismiss the house after three failed attempts to appoint the Premier. [ needs update ]

The Legislative Assembly is the regional parliament of Sverdlovsk Oblast. Until 2011, it was a bicameral legislature consisting of the Oblast Duma, the lower house , and the House of Representatives, the upper house . [27] Before the reform, members of the legislature served four-year terms with half of the Duma re-elected every two years. The Duma (28   members) was elected in party lists. The 21   members of the House of Representatives were elected in single-seat districts in a first-past-the-post system. The Legislative Assembly was the first bicameral legislature outside an autonomous republic, and the first regional legislature in Russia to elect members based on both party lists and single-seat districts . As of 2021, the Legislative Assembly is a unicameral legislature with a total of 50 seats, with half of the members elected by single-mandate constituencies and the other half elected in party lists for five-year terms. [28] [29]

Compliance with the Charter is enforced by the Charter Court. The existence of such regional courts in Russia, formed and functioning outside the federal judiciary, although challenged, has been upheld and persisted successfully in most constituent members of the Federation where they were established.

Until President Putin 's reforms of 2004, the Governor was elected by direct vote for terms of four years. Eduard Rossel has been the only elected governor (first elected governor for an oblast in Russia) since 1995 (appointed in 1991 and dismissed in 1993 by President Yeltsin ), re-elected in 1999 and 2003.

Since 2012, the oblast's Governor is Yevgeny Kuyvashev .

In the 1990s, the Oblast's population was distinguished by relatively high support for parties and candidates of the right and democratic persuasion. In the 1996 presidential election, Boris Yeltsin , a native of the region who lived in Sverdlovsk until the 1980s, won over 70% of the vote. In the regional elections in 2010 in the Sverdlovsk Oblast, United Russia received minimal support relative to other regions - only 39.79% of votes. [30]

Even though it could do with modernizing, the region's industries are quite diverse. 12% of Russia's iron and steel industry is still concentrated in Sverdlovsk oblast. Iron and copper are mined and processed here, the logging industry and wood-processing are important, too.

The largest companies in the region include Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company , UralVagonZavod , Enel Russia , Nizhniy Tagil Iron and Steel Works , Federal Freight . [31]

Yekaterinburg is a prominent road, rail and air hub in the Ural region. As the economic slump subsided, several European airlines started or resumed flights to the city. These include Lufthansa , British Airways , CSA , Turkish Airlines , Austrian Airlines and Finnair . Malév Hungarian Airlines used to be among those carriers but they had to drop their flights to SVX ( IATA airport code for Sverdlovsk) after a few months.

The Alapaevsk narrow-gauge railway serves the communities around Alapayevsk .

• Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu province , Vietnam
• Harbin , China
• Vladik Dzhabarov , Russian cyclist
• Andrey Fedyaev , Russian cosmonaut
• Yakov Sverdlov , a communist revolutionary after whom Sverdlovsk and subsequently Sverdlovsk Oblast were named.
• Church of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary , a building of regional historical significance in Staropyshminsk village.

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• ↑ Президент Российской Федерации.   Указ   №849   от   13 мая 2000 г. «О полномочном представителе Президента Российской Федерации в федеральном округе». Вступил в силу   13 мая 2000 г. Опубликован: "Собрание законодательства РФ", No.   20, ст. 2112, 15 мая 2000 г. (President of the Russian Federation.   Decree   # 849   of   May 13, 2000 On the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in a Federal District . Effective as of   May 13, 2000.).
• ↑ Госстандарт Российской Федерации.   №ОК 024-95   27 декабря 1995 г. «Общероссийский классификатор экономических регионов. 2.   Экономические районы», в ред. Изменения №5/2001 ОКЭР. ( Gosstandart of the Russian Federation.   # OK 024-95   December 27, 1995 Russian Classification of Economic Regions. 2.   Economic Regions , as amended by the Amendment   # 5/2001 OKER. ).
• ↑ Official website of the Governor of Sverdlovsk Oblast. Alexander Sergeyevich Misharin (in Russian)
• 1 2 3 Russian Federal State Statistics Service. Всероссийская перепись населения 2020 года. Том 1 [ 2020 All-Russian Population Census, vol. 1 ] (XLS) (in Russian). Federal State Statistics Service .
• ↑ "26. Численность постоянного населения Российской Федерации по муниципальным образованиям на 1 января 2018 года" . Federal State Statistics Service . Retrieved 23 January 2019 .
• ↑ "Об исчислении времени" . Официальный интернет-портал правовой информации (in Russian). 3 June 2011 . Retrieved 19 January 2019 .
• ↑ Official throughout the Russian Federation according to Article   68.1 of the Constitution of Russia .
• ↑ "Russia: Impact of Climate Change to 2030" (PDF) . Retrieved 25 April 2023 .
• ↑ Сериков Ю. Б. Новые находки раннего палеолита в Среднем Зауралье // Ранний палеолит Евразии: новые открытия // Материалы Международной конференции, Краснодар – Темрюк, 1–6 сентября 2008 г.
• ↑ Сериков Ю. Б. Следы раннего палеолита на территории Среднего Зауралья // Вестник археологии, антропологии и этнографии, 2015 № 4 (31)
• 1 2 Объекты культурного наследия Свердловской области (список)
• ↑ Сальников К. В. Древнейшие памятники истории Урала , 1952.
• ↑ Khimiya i Zhizn , 9, 1974, p. 80
• ↑ Писаницы Урала (in Russian). Ural.ru . Retrieved 26 December 2010 .
• ↑ V.A. Kravchenko: I chose freedom (1946)
• 1 2 Russian Federal State Statistics Service (2011). Всероссийская перепись населения 2010 года. Том   1 [ 2010 All-Russian Population Census, vol.   1 ] . Всероссийская перепись населения 2010   года [2010 All-Russia Population Census] (in Russian). Federal State Statistics Service .
• ↑ Federal State Statistics Service (21 May 2004). Численность населения России, субъектов Российской Федерации в составе федеральных округов, районов, городских поселений, сельских населённых пунктов   – районных центров и сельских населённых пунктов с населением 3   тысячи и более человек [ Population of Russia, Its Federal Districts, Federal Subjects, Districts, Urban Localities, Rural Localities—Administrative Centers, and Rural Localities with Population of Over 3,000 ] (XLS) . Всероссийская перепись населения 2002   года [All-Russia Population Census of 2002] (in Russian).
• ↑ Всесоюзная перепись населения 1989   г. Численность наличного населения союзных и автономных республик, автономных областей и округов, краёв, областей, районов, городских поселений и сёл-райцентров [ All Union Population Census of 1989: Present Population of Union and Autonomous Republics, Autonomous Oblasts and Okrugs, Krais, Oblasts, Districts, Urban Settlements, and Villages Serving as District Administrative Centers ] . Всесоюзная перепись населения 1989   года [All-Union Population Census of 1989] (in Russian). Институт демографии Национального исследовательского университета: Высшая школа экономики [Institute of Demography at the National Research University: Higher School of Economics]. 1989 – via Demoscope Weekly .
• ↑ "Information on the number of registered births, deaths, marriages and divorces for January to December 2022" . ROSSTAT . Archived from the original on 2 March 2023 . Retrieved 21 February 2023 .
• ↑ "Birth rate, mortality rate, natural increase, marriage rate, divorce rate for January to December 2022" . ROSSTAT . Archived from the original on 2 March 2023 . Retrieved 21 February 2023 .
• ↑ Суммарный коэффициент рождаемости [ Total fertility rate ] . Russian Federal State Statistics Service (in Russian). Archived from the original (XLSX) on 10 August 2023 . Retrieved 10 August 2023 .
• ↑ "Демографический ежегодник России" [ The Demographic Yearbook of Russia ] (in Russian). Federal State Statistics Service of Russia (Rosstat) . Retrieved 1 June 2022 .
• ↑ "ВПН-2010" . www.perepis-2010.ru .
• 1 2 3 "Arena: Atlas of Religions and Nationalities in Russia" . Sreda, 2012.
• ↑ 2012 Arena Atlas Religion Maps . "Ogonek", № 34 (5243), 27/08/2012. Retrieved 21/04/2017. Archived .
• ↑ Formation of the legislative body of Sverdlovsk Oblast , old.zsso.ru
• ↑ General information , zsso.ru
• ↑ "Свердловская область" . council.gov.ru .
• ↑ "Результат единороссов по Свердловской области был самым худшим для партии власти" [ The result of United Russia in the Sverdlovsk region was the worst for the ruling party ] . Archived from the original on 10 June 2010 . Retrieved 2 January 2011 .
• ↑ "Sverdlovsk region Industries" . investinregions.ru . Retrieved 7 November 2018 .
• Sverdlovsk Oblast on Facebook
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• (in Russian) Official website of the Government of Sverdlovsk Oblast

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