Happy Songkran! สุขสันต์วันสงกรานต์ — Insights from Alisa Santikarn’s Fieldwork in Thailand
Our GloCo Postdoc Alisa Santikarn is currently in Thailand for fieldwork, and she’s sharing a glimpse of the local festivities during Songkran (Thai: สงกรานต์, [sǒŋkraːn]) — the traditional New Year festival of the Tai peoples, celebrated according to the Thai lunar calendar.
In 2023, Songkran was officially added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Held annually from April 13–15, the festival marks the sun’s transition from the Pisces to the Aries constellation — the beginning of a new astrological year. ♓️➡️♈️
Historically, the Thai New Year shifted over time: in 1888, the country adopted a Siamese version of the Gregorian calendar, fixing the New Year to April 1. It wasn’t until 1940 that January 1 was recognized as the official start of the year. Despite this, Songkran continues to be one of Thailand’s most cherished celebrations.
Songkran traditions vary widely, from splashing water and applying powder on one another, to house cleaning, making merit, and participating in spiritual rituals — such as sprinkling water on Buddha statues or gently pouring perfumed water over the hands of elders as a sign of respect and renewal. In recent years, these rituals have transformed into massive, joyful water fights featuring water guns, buckets, and vibrant Hawaiian shirts. 💦🔫🌸
The astrological New Year and water-based traditions are also celebrated in neighboring countries, under different names: Thingyan in Myanmar, Pi Mai in Laos, Choul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia, and by communities across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Dai ethnic group in China (Water-Sprinkling Festival).
Swipe through to see some snapshots of Songkran in Bangkok, captured by Alisa during her fieldwork.
