Songkran Festival 2025
Date: April 15, 2025 (Tuesday)
Country: Thailand Public Holidays
Description
Songkran is the Thai New Year. It is a time to welcome a new year in the solar calendar used in Thailand. The festival is a major national holiday and many people have time off from work and school.
Songkran takes place every year in mid April. The main days are usually April 13 to April 15. These dates mark the change of the sun into a new zodiac sign and the start of a new year on the traditional Thai calendar.
The holiday means renewal and a fresh start. People focus on cleaning their homes and lives, letting go of bad luck, and preparing for better things ahead. It is a moment to begin the year with positive hopes and good intentions.
Songkran is important for family and community. It is a time for respect to elders, making merit, and strengthening social bonds. The festival also connects Thai culture to nature and the agricultural year, marking renewal across the country.
Traditions
People splash water in the streets with buckets, hoses, and water guns. Kids and adults join lively water fights. Some parties use foam and music to make the mood playful and friendly.
Families visit temples to pour scented water over Buddha images and small statues. People build sand pagodas on temple grounds and decorate them with flags and flowers. Monks receive food offerings and blessings during morning alms.
Younger people gently pour fragrant water over the hands of elders to show respect and ask for blessings. This ritual is quiet and polite, often followed by hugs and smiles.
Popular foods include khao chae, jasmine rice in cool scented water, mango sticky rice, grilled meats, and sweet snacks shared at gatherings.
Travel Tips
Many offices, banks and some shops close or have shorter hours during Songkran. Trains and buses get very busy. Book tickets and hotels early. Expect traffic jams and road closures around main water fight zones.
Keep your phone in a waterproof bag and wear quick dry clothes. Stay hydrated and avoid heavy drinking. Join official street events for safer crowds and enjoy cultural shows or museum visits for quieter experiences. Follow police instructions and be polite to locals.