Songkran 2026 What dates does it fall on? This year's Songkran occurs from 13-15 April, observed annually as a public holiday and recognized as the traditional Thai New Year. There are legends explaining its origins. This article introduces the festival's background. A brief history of Songkran A concise summary for easy understanding. Let's explore.
Songkran (English: Songkran) is the traditional Thai New Year celebration influenced culturally by India’s Holi festival. It includes water splashing customs done without offense, believed to wash away bad luck and to cool off during the hot mid-April season.
As for the word " Songkran ", it derives from Sanskrit meaning " movement ", referring to the zodiac's transition. This period was traditionally regarded by Thais as the New Year before adopting January 1 as the official New Year since 1941 CE.
Legend The history of Songkran According to Thai beliefs, mostly based on inscriptions at Wat Pho, the story tells of a wealthy man who wished for children. He performed rituals praying to the sun and moon deities but remained childless.
Eventually, he cooked seven-colored rice to offer to the sacred Bodhi tree, accompanied by musical ceremonies and prayers for children. The tree then requested Indra to grant his wish, resulting in his wife conceiving a son named " Thammabal Kuman ", a young man known for his intelligence.
One day, King Kabin Brahma wished to test Thammabal Kuman’s wisdom with three questions. He gave him seven days to answer, warning that failure would result in beheading. The questions were:
Thammabal Kuman went into the forest to ponder and overheard a pair of eagles discussing King Kabin Brahma’s challenge, risking his life. Since he could understand their language, he heard their answers:
After hearing this, Thammabal Kuman returned and answered the questions correctly, winning the contest. King Kabin Brahma had to behead himself, but if his head touched the earth, a great fire would erupt. Therefore, seven of Indra’s messengers took turns carrying his head around Mount Sumeru, each serving one year in rotation. This gave rise to the legend of the seven Songkran goddesses, named:
1. Nang Thungsa Thewi
2. Nang Raksat Thewi
3. Nang Khrokat Thewi
4. Nang Kirini Thewi
5. Nang Montha Thewi
6. Nang Khimita Thewi
7. Nang Mahothorn Thewi
This legend and Songkran’s history are linked to the sun’s movement into Aries during the Songkran days according to astrology, explaining why each year features a different " Songkran goddess " with a unique name. In 2025, the Songkran goddess was named " Nang Mahothorn Thewi ".
Besides the water-splashing tradition during the main Songkran days, customs include making merit by offering food to monks, bathing Buddha images, pouring water respectfully on elders' hands, as well as traditional games and contests for Songkran queens and little Songkran queens, adding vibrant cultural highlights. These festivities are part of the annual Thai Songkran celebrations.