Although festivities and water throwing began yesterday in many places, today is the day when just about everybody joins in with the Songkran celebrations.
April 13th is the traditional day when Buddha images are paraded through streets and Thai people sprinkle them with lustral water (pictured). People visit temples and make-merit and everybody throws water at one another. As with many things in Thailand, there are regional variations with regards to what each day is known as. April 13th may be referred to as Wan Songkran (wan = day), but traditionally it is known as Wan Sang Karn Long and marks the passing of the old year.
April 14th belongs neither to the old year nor to the new year. On this day everybody is supposed to be cheerful with no swearing and no behaving badly. The day is known as Wan Nao or Wan Da and is a day of preparation. Food is prepared for merit-making to give to monks as well as friends and family on the following day. In theory there should be a lull in the water throwing activities (but don’t count on it as there will always be somebody intent on giving you yet another soaking).
April 15th is Wan Phaya Wan (but may also sometimes be referred to as Wan Maha Songkran or Wan Thaloeng Suk). This is the celebration for the start of the new year and is normally the last opportunity of the Songkran holiday to indulge in a final bout of water throwing. More importantly, it is a day for merit-making and paying respects to elders.
photo © thaizer.com
