Initially, water played a part in this auspicious day by being poured over statues of Buddha, but these days, the drenching isn’t just reserved for deities and its purpose of purification is applied to everyone who doesn’t take shelter.
A water fight on a national scale, Songkran in Thailand is the celebration of the Buddhist New Year. Initially, water played a part in this auspicious day by being poured over statues of Buddha, but these days, the drenching isn’t just reserved for deities and its purpose of purification is applied to everyone who doesn’t take shelter. Although still a spiritual and religious festival with everyone paying a visit to their local monastery, Songkran has morphed into a joyous occasion for revelry across the kingdom. Wherever you are in Thailand ­– anywhere from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, Krabi or Koh Samui – you can expect to get thoroughly wet with everything from water guns to elephant trunks being employed for the purpose.