Table of Contents
Why does Thailand celebrate Songkran?
Songkran – also known as the Water Splashing Festival – is a celebration to mark the start of the Buddhist New Year. Buddha images are bathed, and younger Thais show respect to monks and elders by sprinkled water over their hands.
How old is the Songkran Festival?
3,500 years
Origins. Songkran has ancient Sanskrit origins. Sanskrit is an ancient language dating back 3,500 years. Songkran means to “step into” or “enter.” As the sun moves into new astrological signs, it signifies the beginning of a new year.
What is the Thai year for 2017?
236th year
The year 2017 is the 236th year of the Rattanakosin Kingdom of Thailand. It is the 2nd year in the reign of King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), and is reckoned as year 2560 in the Buddhist Era.
What year is 2003 in Thai?
The year 2003 was the 222nd year of the Rattanakosin Kingdom of Thailand. It was the 58th year in the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), and is reckoned as year 2546 in the Buddhist Era.
How old is the Songkran festival?
Why does Thailand celebrate New Years in April?
Traditional Thai New Year (Sonkgran Festival) This nationwide party and public holiday is celebrated in the middle of April to welcome in the traditional Thai New Year. It’s a time for religious merit-making activities at local temples amidst the general water-throwing mayhem that takes place all around.
When is Songkran in Thailand?
Songkran (Thailand) In Thailand, New Year is now officially celebrated on January 1, Songkran was the official New Year until 1888, when it was switched to a fixed date of April 1. Then in 1940, this date was shifted to 1 January. The traditional Thai New Year Songkran was transformed into a national holiday.
When did Songkran become the official New Year’s day?
Songkran was the official New Year until 1888, when it was switched to a fixed date of April 1st. It wasn’t until 1940, that this date was then shifted to January 1st.
When is the New Year in Thailand?
In Thailand, New Year is now officially celebrated on 1 January. Songkran was the official New Year until 1888, when it was switched to a fixed date of 1 April. Then in 1940, this date was shifted to 1 January. The traditional Thai New Year Songkran was transformed into a national holiday.
Is Songkran a public holiday?
Songkran is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary.