Songkran – Thai New Year

Every year from April 12 to 14, Thailand celebrates Songkran, the Buddhist New Year. Neighboring countries such as Myanmar and Cambodia also observe this holiday, though dates may vary by country, region, and year.

Songkran is internationally known as a water festival, but its original meaning is a period of gratitude and purification-gently pouring water over elders at temples to wash away misfortune and welcome the new year.

At temples, people bring sand or soil from home to form small pagoda-shaped mounds around the stupa. This symbolizes returning soil unintentionally carried away on one’s shoes over the past year.

In Thailand, some families enjoy Khao Chae, a lightly sweet, chilled rice dish, traditionally associated with Mon culture and later refined as royal cuisine. Today, it is enjoyed mainly in specific regions and households.

Khao Chae can be found at select Thai restaurants during April and May. We encourage you to try it if you have the opportunity.

(Photos show traditional Thai sweets.)