Songkaran is the Thai New Year festival, celebrated annually from April 13th to 15th. It is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Thailand, and is also observed in neighboring countries like Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, often with local variations.
Key Features of Sorentngkaran:
1. Water Festival:
The most iconic aspect is the splashing of water—originally a symbolic gesture to wash away misfortunes and sins, but now celebrated with large-scale water fights in the streets.
2. Cultural and Religious Traditions:
People visit temples to offer food to monks.
Statues of the Buddha are bathed in fragrant water.
Young people pour water over the hands of elders as a sign of respect and to receive blessings.
3. Spring Cleaning and Renewal:
Homes are thoroughly cleaned to usher in the new year with freshness and positivity.
4. Family Time:
Songkran is a time for family reunions, paying respects to elders, and spending time together.
5. Traditional Dress and Dance:
Many wear traditional Thai clothing, and there are cultural performances, parades, and dances during the festival.
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