What is Maha Songkran?
Maha Songkran means the great stepping or the great entering that is Year-Songkran, it will be New Year’s Day only, viz. Songkran means both Song-Kran month and Song-kran year but Maha Songkran means Song-Kran year only. Wan Nao means “to reside” the word “Nao” means “to reside”.
Who is Songkran celebrated for?
Songkran – also known as the Water Splashing Festival – is a celebration to mark the start of the Buddhist New Year. Buddha images are bathed, and younger Thais show respect to monks and elders by sprinkled water over their hands.
Why is Songkran so special?
Songkran is so much more than just merrymaking. It’s an important occasion for Thais to come together and pay respects to their elders, celebrate their culture, spend quality time with family and friends, and welcome the New Year.
Who started Songkran and why?
According to the Buddhist scripture of Wat Pho, Songkran originated from the death of Kapila Brahma (Thai: กบิลพรหม, romanized: Kabilaphrom, lit. ‘reddish Brahma’). In the olden days, there was a wealthy man and his neighbor, a drunkard. The drunkard, who had two sons, belittled the rich man for being childless.
Is Songkran a Buddhist holiday?
2)Songkran is a major Buddhist holiday in Thailand. The origin of Songkran relates directly to Buddhism, and its rites and rituals remain central to modern celebrations. Every Songkran holiday period includes at least one visit to a local temple for prayers in addition to offerings of food and alms to monks.
Why is Thai New Year in April?
It describes the monthly movement or ‘astrological passage’ within the zodiac from one sphere to the next; in April the sun leaves the sphere of Aries and enters that of Taurus, a period known as Maha Songkran or the Great Songkran. This signifies the start of the Thai New Year.
What is Thai culture?
Buddhism and the monarchy have historically been seen as sources of order and stability in society and continue to act as symbols of unity for the Thai people. Yet, the culture is also accommodating of contemporary practices and values. Many Thai people have embraced progressive ideas as their country has globalised.
Which countries celebrate the Songkran festival?
Songkran is a term derived from the Sanskrit word, saṅkrānti (or, more specifically, meṣa saṅkrānti) and used to refer to the traditional New Year celebrated in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, parts of northeast India, parts of Vietnam and Xishuangbanna, China.