The annual Songkran festival, which marks the Thai New Year according to the Buddhist lunar calendar, has been included in the intangible cultural heritage list of humanity. This announcement was made by the external relations department of Thailand’s Ministry of Culture following the 18th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which took place in Botswana.

Songkran is one of Thailand’s most significant festivals, with its name translating from Sanskrit to mean “movement” or “progress.” The start of the Thai New Year is associated with Arya, the solar transit of the zodiac in the Pisces constellation. Traditionally, it is celebrated for three days, from April 13th to 15th. Additionally, Petron Tachayi Shinawatra, the assistant manager of Thailand’s National Committee for the Preservation of National Strength, has announced that the festivities of Songkran in 2024 will last an entire month. The tourism generated by the festival is estimated to reach 35 billion baht (1 billion dollars).

The Thai New Year falls during the hottest month of the year, and therefore, the tradition of pouring water to cool off and cleanse oneself from troubles, illness, and misfortune is observed. This act of pouring water is also accompanied by sprinkling water on Buddha statues and the elders’ hands using rose and jasmine scented water. It is believed that this ritual purifies the spirit and removes all negativity.

The duration of the Songkran festival in Thailand is determined following international standards. The date is calculated from the year 543 BC, when Buddha passed away, making it 2566 years in the present. Until 1888, Songkran was the only New Year celebrated and was closely tied to the monarchy. The festival’s date was determined through astronomical calculations. Over time, the contemporary Songkran festival has transformed into a grand international celebration, attracting tourists from around the globe.