Songkran is the Thai New Year’s National holiday. It is usually celebrated between the 13th - 15th of April. Not only is it a nationwide celebration in Thailand (where I currently live), but it is also celebrated in many other parts of South Asia, like Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Religious rituals, such as paying respect to parents and teachers by pouring water over their hands are performed, alongside others which I unfortunately do not have enough insight into.
People, both locals and foreigners alike, dress in colorful floral shirts and roam about the streets either throwing water, targeting each other with water guns, putting watered-down powder onto each other’s faces, or trying their very best to escape from all the craze, which, I must say, is borderline impossible.
I have participated in the celebrations for many years now, and I think that it’s great fun, especially if you have a friend or two by your side. Last year, a friend of mine and I came back home soaked to the bone, with clusters of white powder coating our faces. Needless to say, it was an experience to remember :)
People, both locals and foreigners alike, dress in colorful floral shirts and roam about the streets either throwing water, targeting each other with water guns, putting watered-down powder onto each other’s faces, or trying their very best to escape from all the craze, which, I must say, is borderline impossible.
I have participated in the celebrations for many years now, and I think that it’s great fun, especially if you have a friend or two by your side. Last year, a friend of mine and I came back home soaked to the bone, with clusters of white powder coating our faces. Needless to say, it was an experience to remember :)
A few memories of mine:
- Back when I went to school, I remember the sense of unity you feel when the entire school is on one big field, all participating in the activities.
- The unexpected buckets of water that get dunked over your head from behind, and the piercing laugher that erupts as soon as you turn around with a big grin on your face.
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| A picture taken 3 years ago of friend of mine after having just ambushed me. |
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| And this is karma striking back :) |
- I remember seeing these large rubbish bins we had at school emptied out, cleaned thoroughly, and filled with freezing cold water. A friend of mine and I had this light bulb moment and decided to climb into one. Let’s just say, I’m surprised neither of us got sick after that brilliant idea.
- Last year, I walked by a lady putting the powder I talked about on people’s faces. I was in her reach, so unsurprisingly I got some patted on me too. I thought nothing more of it, since she wasn’t the first to do that, and by far not the last. However, a minute or two after she had done so, I felt my cheeks burning. Turned out she used the very minty powder that everyone else avoids. The next few minutes were spent with my friend and I frantically washing the substance off my face, which me commenting on how badly it stung. I survived.
And finally I wanted to comment on how great of a bonding experience Songkran is. You feel connected to the people around you, ever if they are complete strangers, and I think that that is what I love most about the holiday.
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| This is me (in red) and two amazing friends of mine who I have started close with over the years. The picture was taken around 5 years ago. |
Have you ever participated in a Songkran celebration? If not, would you like to?
The pictures of you and your friends are so cute! You guys looked like you had loads of fun. I never participated, or even heard of it! It would be cool if I could experience it at least once
ReplyDeleteAww, thank you)). Every instance was very memorable. You should definitely participate if you ever get the opportunity :)
DeleteI remember the minty powder as we were trying so hard to find water to wash our burning faces 😂
ReplyDeleteGreat memories, am I right? :))
DeleteThis looks so fun! Thank you for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment :)). I know I said this multiple times already, but I feel like it can't be said enough: it is indeed loads and loads of fun)
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