Songkran, or Thai New Year, is a Buddhist festival and the Kingdom of Thailand’s most important public holiday. The word Songkran is derived from Sanskrit and means “Astrological Passage”. Songkran marks the end of the dry season – April is Thailand’s hottest month – and the beginning of the annual rains in the fifth month of the Thai lunar year. It’s often referred to as the ‘Thai Water Festival’ owing to the tradition of splashing water while offering blessings.
In London it’s celebrated at Thai Temple Wat Buddhapadipa [Colonne Road, Wimbledon] and other places in London too, even if less boisterously than in Bangkok or Chiang Mai – as listed here.
Poster for Songkran 10th April 2016 at War Buddhapadipa, Wimbledon
Songkran, Bangkok.
Locals celebrate Thai New Year by throwing water at one another, Songkran water festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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