I just finished the long conversation with my mom on the phone a few minutes ago. She said around where my hometown is (Tak province), it is so freaking hot! Yesterday it was 40 Celsius and today’s around 39 Celsius, hmm…just almost 40. Well I have to convert to Fahrenheit because now I’m not that used to Celsius system much. OMG…40 Celsius = 102.2 Fahrenheit.

Extremely hot in Thailand like this makes me think about the very important holiday for Thai people known as “Songkran”, that is coming soon. Songkran festival was the Thai New Year in the past before they moved into international day January 1st like anywhere else in the world. Songkran was specifically on the Thai calender on April 13th – 15th every year.

Most people they knew the symbol of this tradition just for splashing water on others. Not many of them know about the most significant activities is all about to do good things like offering food to the monks, releasing birds and fishes, donating, visiting and paying respects to elders, family members, friends and neighbors. It shows about spirit, love, and care between family members together.

So many residents who are living in Bangkok, will go back to their hometown to celebrate with their families. So that’s why Thai government has set on April 14th every year to be family day in Thailand. Let say it is just like Christmas Day for American people I think.

Water has been a representation for Songkran, against the hotness from the weather. The splashing of water originated as a way to pay respect, ask for blessing or apologize to an elderly person about an insult. This will be done by gently pouring a small amount of lustral water on the elderly hands or over a shoulder as a sign of respect we call “Rod Nam Dam Hua”. But for young people mostly will be splashing water, we call “Sard Nam” and this has further evolved into water fights and splashing water over people riding in vehicles.

Usually for me I wouldn’t go back to Tak on this season because it will be so frustrated situation with a thousand of people at the bus station or any of transportation service. I always told my parents I would be happy to go back anytime at all but not on Songkran. So anyone of you please keep in mind if you want to travel somewhere for Songkran, just need to go like a week or two weeks ahead and also make a reservation first. So I prefer to stay in Bkk because no need to worry about traffic at all. Well, except for some places in Bkk where they’re going to celebrate like Kao Sarn Rd., Silom Rd., and Sukhumvit area, traffic can be worse.

You can get more information about “Songkran” here at Songkran.net and then you will get some idea Songkran this year where in Thailand I want to go!

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