Second Day of the Songkran Festival

What Is Second Day of the Songkran Festival?

The Second Day of the Songkran Festival, officially observed on 14 April, is a key component of Thailand’s traditional New Year celebrations. This day is commonly referred to as Wan Nao, which can be interpreted as “the day of preparation” or “the transitional day.” It serves as a bridge between the old year’s end and the new year’s beginning, carrying specific cultural significance within the broader Songkran period.

While the first day (13 April, Maha Songkran Day) marks the official New Year’s Day according to the solar calendar, Wan Nao is dedicated to important preparatory rituals and acts of respect. It precedes the main celebrations and water-throwing activities that often characterise the third day.

History and Origins of Second Day of the Songkran Festival

The Songkran festival’s origins are rooted in ancient Buddhist and Hindu traditions, marking the sun’s passage into the zodiac sign of Aries. The structure of the multi-day observance, including Wan Nao, developed over centuries as part of the traditional Siamese calendar. Wan Nao’s designation as a day of preparation reflects a practical and cultural need to perform specific rituals before the full commencement of the new year’s festivities.

Historically, this day was crucial for ensuring the household was clean and that food was prepared for temple offerings and family gatherings. The act of gathering sand for pagoda building also stems from an older tradition of carrying sand from the temple grounds, which was then returned to symbolically ‘replace’ any sand that had been carried away on visitors’ feet throughout the year.

How Second Day of the Songkran Festival Is Celebrated

On the Second Day of the Songkran Festival, known as Wan Nao, activities are generally more subdued than the vibrant water play of subsequent days. The day focuses on domestic preparations, merit-making, and acts of reverence. Many families engage in thorough cleaning of their homes and prepare traditional dishes for the upcoming days of celebration and temple visits.

A prominent tradition on Wan Nao is the construction of sand pagodas, known as phra chedi sai. Communities and families gather at temples to build these intricate sand structures, often adorned with flags, flowers, and incense. This act is considered a form of merit-making, symbolising the return of sand to the temple that may have been taken away on worshippers’ feet throughout the year. Another significant observance is the Rod Nam Dam Hua ceremony, where younger family members pour fragrant water over the hands of elders and respected individuals. This gesture conveys respect, seeks blessings, and often involves elders offering good wishes in return. It is a moment for family connection and the strengthening of intergenerational bonds.

When Is Second Day of the Songkran Festival?

The Second Day of the Songkran Festival is consistently observed on 14 April each year. This date is fixed according to the Gregorian calendar. Although Songkran is based on the traditional solar calendar and marks the astrological new year, the modern public holiday dates in Thailand are set to fixed days, with 14 April specifically designated as Wan Nao. This fixed date ensures that the day of preparation and respectful observances always occurs on the same calendar day annually.

Second Day of the Songkran Festival Key Facts