In Thailand, the New Year is celebrated three times: according to the Gregorian, lunar Chinese and ancient Indian astrological calendar. The last option (Songkran) is the most significant, as it marks not only the beginning of a new year, but also the transition from the hot season to the rainy season. In 2024, the Thai holiday will last from April 13 to April 15 inclusive. These are his permanent dates, they never change.
Celebration traditions
Thais do a general cleaning the day before. Throw out all unnecessary things that have accumulated over 12 months from the house. This is how new ideas and opportunities are brought to life.It is customary to celebrate the holiday itself on a grand scale. In this regard, it can be compared with Brazilian carnivals and Chinese New Year.
First stage
On April 13, Thais arrange feasts with relatives and friends, perform mutual ablutions. Non-religious youth go to entertainment nightclubs. The older generation - attends the temple. Those who did not have time to throw away old things do it on the first day of the new year. Sometimes there are so many fires that smoke envelops entire settlements. Monks with a statue of Buddha in their hands walk along the streets of cities and towns. They scatter flower petals and say words of blessing. On this day, beauty contests and exhibitions of bouquets are held.
Second stage
On the second day, people put on traditional clothes and go to temples for blessings. They bring bouquets of flowers, fruits, berries, sweets and pastries with them.The place near the Buddha statue becomes like a food market. The monks pay attention to every visitor. Those who come empty-handed are treated.
When they come home, Thais irrigate the rooms and the Buddha statue with scented water. After - they go out into the street en masse, where they paint each other with bright talc and clay, pour water over them. Young people hide behind buildings, bushes, cars in order to suddenly jump out and douse pedestrians with liquid. Animals are released whenever possible. It is believed that this prolongs life. The second stage of the celebration ends with a feast. It lasts until morning.
Sometimes Thais try so hard to smear clay that they get in their eyes. Showing dissatisfaction about this is not accepted.
Third stage
On the third day, Thais visit acquaintances, friends, relatives, work colleagues. Having crossed the threshold, they wash the hands of the owners of the house with water. In conclusion, closer to the night, they arrange a family feast.At the same time, the table is covered richer. Thais believe that this helps to attract money into life.
Features of the festive feast
At least on one of the three holidays, Thais try to gather the whole family at the New Year's table. During the meal, they say words of love to each other. The younger generation pointedly demonstrates its respect for the older one. Close people remember the joyful events of the past year and make plans for the future.
Different dishes are put on the table. Often there are local classics. These are banana and bean salad, spicy sea scallops, fish in tomato sauce, pasta with chicken, ginger noodles with soy meat, crab appetizer, shrimp gravy. Mandatory rice - a symbol of fertility.
Where to mark: useful recommendations
Thais know exactly what date the Thai New Year is in 2024. From April 13, the fun in Thailand will begin everywhere: in megacities, small towns and villages.Tourists in the country will get a lot of positive impressions that will be remembered for a lifetime.
| Locality | Features of the celebration |
| Bangkok | Thais leave the capital and go to their hometowns to celebrate the New Year with their families. At the same time, there is an influx of foreigners. Large shopping centers continue to operate. Traditionally, bright shows are held in the center |
| Chiang Mai | It is famous for the wettest Songkran. Entire water battles take place here |
| Phuket | In the provinces, the New Year can be celebrated for a week or more. Tourists pour water on each other. Even policemen carry water pistols |
| Koh Samui | Lovers of noisy parties relax in bars and nightclubs in the Chaweng Beach area. Those who prefer tranquility go to Thorn. Local fishermen are happy to introduce them to customs and traditions |
| Pattaya | Long before the New Year comes, hotel owners come up with interesting programs for guests. As a result, they delight with concerts, discos, foam parties, and competitions. Local firefighters block roads and actively participate in dousing |
Songkran has the highest accident rate on the roads due to drunk driving.
Celebrate the Thai New Year in a fun and interesting way. Traveling to the country in the second decade of April is a great solution. However, it should be borne in mind that the cost of tours increases sharply the day before, and places in good restaurants and hotels are quickly taken apart. To protect yourself from unpleasant moments, it is recommended to resort to booking in advance, back in January or February.
