Songkran Festival in Thailand
Songkran is Thailand’s traditional New Year festival, observed from 13 to 15 April. It combines temple visits and family rituals with public water celebrations, while its meaning of renewal and respect remains central to the holiday.[1][2]
A public holiday and a traditional New Year
Songkran is observed as a public holiday in Thailand on 13, 14 and 15 April. The Bank of Thailand also lists these dates as holidays for financial institutions and specialised financial institutions.[2][3]
For private-sector employees, the Labour Protection Act requires employers to announce at least 13 traditional holidays each year, including National Labour Day, and to select them from official, religious or local traditional holidays. If an announced traditional holiday falls on an employee’s weekly rest day, the following working day is a substitute holiday. Individual workplace schedules may therefore depend on this rule.[4]
Meaning and origins
In Thailand, Songkran marks the sun’s annual passage into Aries and the traditional beginning of the new year. The name comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “movement.” UNESCO describes the mid-April festival as a time for family reunions and for showing respect to elders, ancestors and sacred Buddha images.[1][2]
Songkran is also celebrated in other countries in the region, but its Thai observances are shaped by local family and community traditions.[2]
How people observe Songkran
Many people visit temples to make merit, give alms to monks and sprinkle Buddha images with scented water. Families and younger people pour water over elders’ hands as a gesture of respect and receive blessings in return. These ceremonies express reverence and good wishes for the year ahead.[2][5]
Water splashing is the festival’s most visible public custom. UNESCO describes water as symbolizing cleansing, reverence and good fortune; it also lists folk plays, games, music and feasting among Songkran activities. Thailand’s tourism authority notes that some festivals are celebrated across the country while others are local to particular provinces, so events and customs vary by place.[1][6]
What to expect during the holiday
Bank services follow the Bank of Thailand’s holiday calendar, so check branch arrangements before visiting. Employers in some sectors, including transport, hotels, food shops and medical establishments, may require employees to work on holidays under conditions set out in the Labour Protection Act; shop and service hours therefore depend on the business.[3][4]
Songkran is also a time when people working in cities commonly return to visit relatives and pay respect to elders. If you are travelling, check transport schedules and local event information in advance, since celebrations and services can differ between communities.[5][6]
Songkran Festival: frequently asked questions
When is Songkran celebrated in Thailand?
Is Songkran a day off for everyone?
Are banks and shops open?
Sources and references
Sources used for Songkran Festival in Thailand:
- Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
- Get to know the Thai tradition of Songkran- Government Public Relations Department, Thailand
- Financial Institutions Holiday- Bank of Thailand
- The Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541- International Labour Organization, NATLEX
- Songkran Day Coinciding with the National Day for Older Persons- Government Public Relations Department, Thailand
- Festivals- Tourism Authority of Thailand