Truly, there are different ways people celebrate New Year. While western countries use fireworks for the celebration, Chinese nationals have their dragon dance. However, Thailand has the most unusual way of celebrating New Year, and this is known as Songkran Festival.

What is Songkran Festival?

The word Songkran was actually derived from “Sankranti”, which means “to move or to change”. Celebrated on particular dates in 13 April – 15 April, Songkran 2014 is regarded as the longest holiday in Thailand. Unlike other festivals in the place, Songkran is said to be the grandest since it is traditionally celebrated for three consecutive days.

A day before the celebration of Songkran, housewives must clean their houses and remove all the rubbish. Otherwise, it might bring them bad luck for the remaining months of the recent year. As part of the belief, Buddha images should be washed carefully so as to bring good fortune to house owners.

Rather than an earthly enjoyment, Songkran 2014 focuses on spiritual intentions like giving alms to monks and paying a visit to Buddhist temples in their place.

The festival would not be complete without the so-called Water Fight. Armed with water guns and water containers, travelers and natives including children throw water upon others, which symbolizes cleansing and rejuvenating of their bodies.

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