Songkran Countdown

This Songkran countdown tracks the time remaining until Thailand's most celebrated festival. Held annually from April 13-15, Songkran marks the traditional Thai New Year and is famous worldwide as the largest water fight on earth.

Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, Songkran is far more than just a water festival. It is a time for family reunions, paying respect to elders, visiting temples, and starting the new year with a clean slate — symbolized by the cleansing power of water.

Songkran celebrations blend ancient traditions with modern festivities. The tradition of rod nam dam hua involves gently pouring scented water over the hands of elders as a sign of respect and to receive their blessings. Thais also visit temples to make merit, offer food to monks, and bathe Buddha images.

The streets transform into massive water battles, with people armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses. Bangkok's Khao San Road and Silom Road become legendary party zones. Chiang Mai hosts the country's biggest celebration around the ancient moat. White talcum paste is playfully applied to faces as a symbol of protection.

The word Songkran comes from Sanskrit, meaning "to move" or "to pass," referring to the sun's transit into the zodiac sign of Aries. Water symbolizes purification, renewal, and the washing away of bad luck from the previous year.

April 13 is Wan Maha Songkran (the great day), April 14 is Wan Nao (preparation day), and April 15 is Wan Thaloeng Sok (the official New Year's Day). All three days are national holidays. Many Thais also release fish and birds as acts of merit-making during the festival.