Water Pistols, Street Parties & New Beginnings – A Day At Songkran, The Thai New Year Celebrations Where Everyone’s Invited 

It’s not every day that you walk down the street and the whole city appears to be soaking one another with water guns. Then again, not every day is Songkran – the celebration of Thai New Year, held annually from 13-15 April. The water is, of course, symbolic: the festival is rooted in the tradition of pouring water over statues and photographs of Buddha for good fortune; while younger generations pour water over the hands of elders as a blessing. After all, Songkran marks the start of a new beginning, signifying cleansing and renewal for the year ahead.

Which is how, on Sunday, I found myself on the streets of Silom, Bangkok, drenched to my skin but truly happy, after coming together with locals and international visitors for this year’s Songkran festivities. Today, Songkran has evolved into the world’s largest water fight, with around 35 million people flooding Thailand’s streets to celebrate. The festival’s cleansing rituals are brought to life through an epic water battle, where locals and visitors soak each other with water guns and buckets of (sometimes ice-cold) water. Another key ritual involves smearing a chalky white paste on faces – a symbolic gesture of protection and good fortune. It’s like saying “I wish you well” in a tactile, intimate way, often accompanied by a smile or a respectful bow.

This year, in the wake of the recent earthquake’s devastation, Songkran became an even stronger display of community spirit. Rooted in spirituality, it’s both a respectful and uplifting celebration. At the same time, it’s a wild street party – loud music, deep bass and brand activations offering everything from free water refills to hydration stations to keep you going. And despite the chaos, it all feels safe and well-organised: Thai authorities guide the crowds, areas are clearly marked, everyone is screened, and a strict no-alcohol policy is enforced. Their presence is reassuring but not overbearing, which likely explains why the festival attracts everyone from toddlers to older locals in full festive gear. The city is buzzing with excitement, as shops stock up on ‘survival kits’ with waterproof bags, goggles and a riot of Hawaiian prints and Thai elephant shirts signaling you’re game. For locals, it’s a full-on holiday.

I’ve always wanted to experience Songkran, and came to Thailand seven weeks ago with this in mind. It’s part of a 10-week working holiday I’ve taken, led by a desire to step away from the everyday grind and immerse myself in another culture. Thailand – and Songkran in particular – has been a beautiful space for me to do this. It’s a great example of something that takes you away from the digital (even in taking these photos, my phone camera stopped working as it got too wet!), allowing me to experience the celebration with all my senses. There is connection here – to the culture, among the people. Here, people smile at you on the street; you make eye contact and feel embraced. It’s in these moments, I’ve found the kind of connection and presence I’ve been craving.

In the midst of an epic water gun battle, I still managed to hear some touching stories about what Songkran meant to people. One Thai and French couple shared that they met during Songkran two years ago – “He ‘protected’ me, and now here we are!” – while a group of American girls on their first visit to the city shared: “We didn’t know this was even happening; we were completely unprepared – in the best way, of course!”

Another special moment came when speaking with a group of young men from Taiwan, who make the trip here every year: “This is our ‘other’ unofficial Pride,” they shared, speaking of how they feel the need to hide who they are at home. Yet during Songkran, “We don’t think about problems; we can just be free and party. All are welcome here!”

And they’re right: at Songkran, everyone is invited – regardless of age, gender, preferences or social status. You can simply walk along the street and join in. In 2023, UNESCO even added Songkran to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list – the festival coincides with the sun’s annual transition into the Aries constellation, the first sign of the Zodiac, symbolising the start of the new year.

Walking back to my apartment afterwards – still soaked, face covered in chalk – there’s a sense of shift. This day, free from inhibitions, offered a much-needed release, a collective exhale. Connecting with strangers and fully living in the moment has brought a reset. Now, April feels like a fresh start. See you at Songkran 2026.