Songkran - Time to Splash Out*

Songkran is to the Thais what New Year’s Eve is to us in the West. It is their traditional New Year. In terms of the astrological timetable, it is when the sun passes from Aries into Taurus. It is celebrated every year on April 13th or 14th. These days the Festival of Songkran is spread over the three days 13th to 15th April. It is also has another significance – it is the time that marks the end of rice harvesting. Once completed, it frees up time for young men and women to start their courtship. There is a strong romantic feeling in the air around Songkran. Songkran Day begins with early morning merit-making mainly by offering food to monks and visiting elderly relatives. Tradition has it that younger members of the family pour scented water over the hands of relatives wishing them health and well-being. Songkran is associated with water. It is the time to start spring-cleaning which includes washing household Buddha images with scented water. This association with water extends to washing anyone and everyone within range – whether they need it or not. Unsuspecting Western tourist better look out as they will be targeted for a soaking – even if they are dressed to kill. And it is not just a cup-full or a water pistol spray – it is a full bucket! Songkran will never catch on in Liverpool!!!!! My Austrian traditional pizza making friend closes his business down during the festival. One year his customers, as well as himself, wife and wood burning pizza oven were so drenched he had to ‘shut up shop’. So be warned. The one downside to celebrating Songkran is the apparent increase in drink driving and related accidents. There has been talk of banning alcohol sales during Songkran. *Click on the page title above to see statistics about road accidents during Festival of Songkran.