Songkran is a fun time of the year in Thailand. The word ‘Songkran’ derives from Sanskrit and literally means ‘astrological passage’. The festival is celebrated in Thailand as the traditional New Year’s Day from 13 to 15 April. It coincides with the New Year of many calendars of South and South East Asia, and coincides with the Buddhist/Hindu solar calendar.

In the major cities it is particularly popular with Farangs. Oversized, pressurised water guns are essential for the well equipped Songkran participant. As is a loud and colourful shirt to let everyone know that you, too, are celebrating..

However, in the country Songkran goes to a whole new level. Water fights on an industrial scale.

At Ubon Ratana Lake, the most popular spot to celebrate the festival, vehicles (mainly utes/pickups) drive slowly past each other for many kilometres, dousing each with water from 300 litre plastic drums carried in the tray. These can be refilled for 100 baht. The battle goes on for hours.

Police watch but don’t interfere.

 

© Kim Epton 2015-2024
202 words.

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