Songkran(สงกรานต์)

Songkran is celebrated on April 13, 14, and 15 each year in Thailand. It marks the Thai New Year according to the traditional solar calendar. The official public holiday period may extend to April 16 or 17.

Songkran is the Thai New Year festival, one of the most important and joyful celebrations in Thailand. The name comes from the Sanskrit word for 'astrological passage.' It is famous for its water-splashing traditions, symbolizing the washing away of bad luck and the cleansing of the spirit for the new year.

Songkran is the national festival of Thailand, but similar new year water festivals are celebrated in neighboring countries: Thingyan in Myanmar, Pi Mai in Laos, Chaul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia, and Bisket Jatra in Nepal. Thai communities abroad also celebrate Songkran worldwide.

Yes, Songkran is a public holiday in Thailand with at least three official days off (April 13-15). Government offices, banks, and schools are closed. It is one of the busiest domestic travel periods in Thailand.

Songkran traditions include water-splashing celebrations in streets with water guns and buckets to symbolize cleansing and renewal, visiting temples to make merit and pour scented water over Buddha images, applying talcum powder mixed with water on others' faces as a blessing, elder family members receiving respect through the rod nam dam hua ceremony.