Songkran: The largest water fight in the world

Thailand turns into a chaotic and wet party for three days every year. However, this age-old celebration is much more than just a wild time.

Every year from April 13 to 15, Thais throughout celebrate Songkran, perhaps the biggest and most significant event in the country, as a way to decompress and mark fresh beginnings. This yearly event, which is connected to the Thai New Year and the end of the rice harvest season, is all about honoring elders, purifying, and promoting a feeling of rebirth. Travelers, however, are best familiar with it as a wild splash fest that takes place throughout the nation.

According to Worapa Angkhasirisap, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, “the most famous part of the festival is the massive water fights.” “People of all ages take to the streets armed with water guns and buckets.”

Three naive travelers were just placed in the heart of a town-wide Songkran festival, giving viewers of the most current season of The White Lotus a taste of this. One of the women questioned, “Why is everyone carrying those guns?” After a few moments, the three were being followed around the streets by happy revelers and kids brandishing water guns before taking cover in a convenience shop, completely saturated and confused.

Visitors are welcome to participate in these water fights, which are typically a fun and amiable aspect of the celebrations, despite their characterization as White Lotus. Indeed, thousands of tourists now go to Thailand annually to participate in what is widely referred to as “the world’s biggest water fight.” However, the festival’s current appeal to tourists from other countries betrays its ancient origins.

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and Songkran, which means “to enter” or “move forward” in Sanskrit, happens when the Sun passes through this constellation. According to some academics, the holiday that has been inscribed by Unesco is reminiscent of an old Hindu celebration known as Makar Sankranti, which was embraced by the Khmer Empire, which governed Thailand in the eleventh century. These days, Songkran is all about starting over, with water representing purity and the washing away of the past year.

To symbolize rebirth, perfumed water is frequently sprinkled over Buddha images throughout the three-day celebration. Thai people also frequently donate offerings to temples, splash water on friends and family, and wash the hands of their elders to obtain their blessings. “Songkran is also a spiritual time because the majority of Thai people practice Buddhism,” said Kharitthakorn Sakulsupapong, sales and marketing manager of the vacation company Tropical Vacation, which is based in Thailand.

Some Thai localities, like the well-known beach resort town of Pattaya, prolong the celebration for up to ten days even though it is only a three-day national holiday.

Songkran usually features chili dishes because April is frequently Thailand’s warmest month. “Since April is the peak of mango season, you’ll find plenty of mango sticky rice, one of Thailand’s most beloved desserts,” Angkhasirisap stated to the BBC. “Another seasonal favourite is khao chae, a refreshing dish of rice soaked in jasmine-scented iced water, served with savoury side dishes – perfect for cooling down in the summer heat.”

Visitors are welcome to participate in the celebrations if they happen to be in the nation during Songkran. “Thai people are always very happy to teach tourists about their cultural traditions and will be delighted to answer any questions visitors may have [about the festival],” said sales vice president Jurairat Mongkolwongsiri of Bangkok’s Centara Hotels & Resorts. According to Mongkolwongsiri, respect is also essential at religious festivals.

“Songkran is very inclusive – the water splashing is open to everyone, although it’s always important to understand and respect the cultural boundaries,” warned Mongkolwongsiri. “For example, visitors must avoid throwing water on monks or elders and try not to spray water directly in anyone’s face”

Although the largest Songkran crowds are found in Thailand’s cities, Angkhasirisap notes that visitors who venture outside of the country’s major tourist destinations are still likely to experience the celebration.

“Bangkok and Chiang Mai are well-known hotspots, attracting huge crowds and hosting grand celebrations,” she said. “[However], in recent years, Thailand has made an effort to promote celebrations in all regions, [including] lesser-known provinces.”

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