Songkran is a traditional New Year festival celebrated in several countries, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The term “Songkran” comes from Sanskrit and is important in the Buddhist calendar. This festival holds great significance and is observed in various ways across different countries. It all started with the Khmer people in Cambodia, who initially celebrated it on April 13-14-15. Songkran, also known as Choul Chnam Thmey or Khmer New Year. The festivities included water-related activities, symbolizing purification and renewal. Over time, the Thai community adopted the Songkran festival and made it their own New Year celebration.
The Khmer people have a long history and culture that are closely connected to their religious beliefs. Songkran is important because it is linked to the Buddhist calendar and is a time for starting fresh and purifying oneself. Traditionally, Songkran marks the end of the harvest season and the start of a new year. During this time, people honor their ancestors, visit temples, take part in religious ceremonies, and do good deeds. The festival also involves water activities like water fights and pouring scented water over Buddha statues and the hands of older people to symbolize cleansing and good luck.
There are many enjoyable traditional games played during Khmer New Year! Some examples include Klah Klok, Sey Game, Sdech Jang, Chol Chhoung, and Bos Angkunh. But wait, there’s more! There are also other fantastic traditional games like Teagn Prot (tug-of-war), Leak Kanseng (hide the towel), and Breaking clay pots. Khmer New Year is filled with so much excitement!
Over time, Thai people have embraced Songkran traditions and added their own customs to the festival. Today, Songkran in Thailand is famous for its lively water battles on the streets. People use buckets, water guns, and hoses to joyfully soak each other, symbolizing purification and the start of the new year. On December 8, 2023, UNESCO recognized “Songkran in Thailand, New Year Festival” as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The term “Songkran” is found in inscriptions at temples in Cambodia, showing its Khmer origins. These inscriptions provide evidence of the festival’s existence and use of the term in ancient times. As Songkran spread across Southeast Asia, it changed to fit each country’s cultural practices and beliefs. Despite these differences, the central idea of renewal and purification remains the same in all celebrations.
In conclusion, Songkran is a traditional New Year festival celebrated in Southeast Asia. It originated from the Khmer people of Cambodia and was later adopted by the Thai people, who added their own customs to the festival. While there are variations in how Songkran is celebrated in different countries, its main purpose of renewal and purification remains the same. The term “Songkran” comes from inscriptions found at Cambodian temples, confirming its Khmer origins. This festival is culturally significant and continues to be celebrated with enthusiasm and joy by millions of people every year.
