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Songkran, also known as the Water Festival, is a popular and significant festival celebrated in Thailand. It is a time of joyous celebration, where locals and tourists come together to participate in a variety of water-related activities. This festival is deeply rooted in Thai culture and has both religious and cultural significance.
Let dive in what is Songkran Festival in Thailand. And how to celebrate Songkran that is happening right now. As Songkran is happening right now in Thailand during the dates of April 13 15 2023.
What is Songkran?
The Songkran Festival is celebrated from the 13th to the 15th of April every year. It marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year, which is based on the ancient Hindu calendar. The word 'Songkran' is derived from the Sanskrit language and means 'astrological passage'. It symbolizes the end of one year and the beginning of a new year, making it a time of renewal and new beginnings.
Traditionally, Songkran was celebrated as a time for family reunions and paying respects to elders and ancestors. People would visit temples and pour water over Buddha statues as a symbol of cleansing and purification. They would also pour water over the hands of their elders as a sign of respect and seek their blessings for the coming year.
What to do on Songkran
Songkran is most well-known for its water-related activities, which are popular among both locals and tourists. People take to the streets with buckets, water guns, and hoses, splashing water on each other to celebrate the festival. The idea behind this tradition is to wash away bad luck and start the new year with a clean slate. Some people mix talcum powder with water and smear it on their faces for added fun.
Apart from water fights, there are also other activities that take place during Songkran. One of the most popular activities is the Miss Songkran beauty pageant, where contestants compete to be crowned the most beautiful woman of Songkran. Another popular activity is the 'Rod Nam Dum Hua' ceremony, where people pour scented water over the hands of monks as a way of showing respect and seeking blessings.
How is Tourism During Songkran
Songkran Festival is one of the busiest times of the year for Thailand's tourism industry. Tourists from all over the world come to Thailand to experience the festival and take part in the water-related activities. The festival has become a major attraction for tourists, who see it as a unique and exciting cultural experience.
In recent years, the Thai government has made efforts to promote the festival and attract more tourists. They have organized events such as the 'Amazing Songkran Joyful Procession', which features traditional Thai dances and music. They have also implemented measures to ensure the safety of tourists during the festival, such as setting up designated areas for water fights and providing medical assistance.
Now that we understand what is Songkran. Let give you top 4 recommendations on where to celebrate Songkran in Pattaya during April 14 and 15 2023.
Songkran in Pattaya 2023: Top 4 Places
Down below are top 4 places in Pattaya you can enjoy Songkran festival. You can play water with others and have the best time for your life. During the heat play some water and drink some water too.
Pattaya Songkran Festival at Bali Hai Pier
The main event of the Songkran festival in Pattaya is held at Bali Hai Pier, where you can join in the water fights, enjoy live music, and taste traditional Thai food. The festival starts on April 13th and lasts for three days, and it's free for everyone.
Pattaya Songkran Splendors
Pattaya Songkran Splendours is a cultural event that showcases the best of Thai traditions and customs. You can watch traditional dance performances, enjoy Thai food and desserts, and take part in various cultural activities.
Songkran at Wat Chaimongkol
Wat Chaimongkol is a Buddhist temple in Pattaya that hosts a special Songkran ceremony. You can witness the bathing of the Buddha statue, listen to the Buddhist teachings, and participate in the water pouring ritual.
Songkran Pool Party at Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya
If you want to enjoy the Songkran festival in style, you can attend the pool party at the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya. You can dance to the live DJ music, sip on cocktails, and splash in the pool with your friends.
Conclusion
Songkran Festival is a celebration of water and new beginnings, deeply rooted in Thai culture and tradition. It is a time for family reunions, paying respects to elders and ancestors, and cleansing and purification. The water-related activities during the festival are a symbol of washing away bad luck and starting the new year with a clean slate. As Thailand's tourism industry continues to grow, Songkran Festival is becoming an increasingly popular attraction for tourists from around the world.
From all of us at Pattaya City Condo, we wish everyone a Happy New Year. A Thai Happy New Year. Play with water, have fun. And let all your wishes come true. The water makes all the bad thoughts go away and let good thoughts and things come in everyone's life.
