Songkran - Thai New Year

Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year. It is also celebrated in Buddhist countries like Cambodia, Burma, Lao. It lasts for 3 days – 13,14,15 April. The first day is Maha Songkran Day – it marks the end of the current year. The 14 April is the next day and is called Wan Nao and 15 April is called Wan Thaloeng Sok which marks the first day of the new year. People go to their home places and get together with their families to celebrate Songkran.

In some ways, Songkran resembles the Christian Easter. Another interesting custom during Songkran is releasing fish and caged birts which is thought to bring great merit by doing this act.