Songkran: water, renewal, and the Thai New Year

Songkran marks the traditional Thai New Year, celebrated in mid-April across Thailand and by Thai communities worldwide. The word comes from a Sanskrit term for astrological movement, marking the sun's transition into Aries — the start of a new solar year.

Its best-known tradition is water: pouring water over the hands of elders as a gesture of respect and blessing, or joining the citywide water fights that fill the streets of Thai towns for days at a time. The water symbolises washing away the misfortune of the past year and welcoming a fresh start — cleansing not just the body, but the spirit.

Songkran is also a time for visiting temples, making merit, and returning home to family — much like a New Year celebration anywhere, but soaked, joyfully, from head to toe.