Third Day of the Songkran Festival

What Is the Third Day of the Songkran Festival?

The Third Day of the Songkran Festival, celebrated annually on 15th April, marks a significant part of Thailand’s traditional New Year observances. As part of a three-day national holiday, this day signifies the continuation and often the peak of the festivities. It is characterised by a blend of boisterous public celebrations, including the iconic water throwing, and more subdued family and religious traditions.

This day is an integral component of the wider Songkran Festival, which spans from 13th to 15th April. While the initial days may focus on specific rituals like cleaning and honouring elders, the third day often serves as a culmination of the community-wide and personal observances. Across Thailand, individuals participate in various activities that reflect both the joyous spirit of renewal and the cultural heritage of the nation.

History and Origins of the Third Day of the Songkran Festival

The Songkran Festival, from which the Third Day derives its significance, has ancient roots tied to the Indian astrological calendar. The term “Songkran” itself originates from the Sanskrit word saṃkrānti, meaning “to move” or “to pass into”. This refers to the sun’s passage from one zodiac sign to another, specifically its entry into the sign of Aries, marking the traditional New Year.

Historically, Songkran was observed when the sun entered Aries, a date that originally varied but was later fixed by astrological calculations. The multi-day structure of the festival, including the Third Day, developed over centuries to allow for a comprehensive range of rituals. These rituals transitioned from purely agricultural and religious practices to include social customs like paying respect to elders and general merriment, culminating in the festive atmosphere seen today. Although Thailand officially adopted the Gregorian calendar for New Year’s Day on 1st January in 1940, the traditional Songkran period in April retained its cultural prominence as the traditional Thai New Year.

How the Third Day of the Songkran Festival Is Celebrated

The Third Day of the Songkran Festival, 15th April, is typically a full day of celebration throughout Thailand. While water throwing is a prominent feature across all days of Songkran, on the third day it continues with intensity in public spaces. People often use buckets, water guns, and hoses to splash water on passers-by, symbolising the washing away of misfortunes from the past year and welcoming a fresh start.

Central Thailand

In central regions, including Bangkok, the public water festivities reach their zenith on 15th April. Major streets and tourist areas become vibrant hubs of activity, with music, dancing, and extensive water battles. Alongside these public displays, many families continue to visit temples to make merit, offer food to monks, and participate in rituals such as the bathing of Buddha images, known as Song Nam Phra. This involves gently pouring scented water over Buddha statues, a gesture of reverence.

Northern Thailand

In northern provinces like Chiang Mai, the Third Day sees a blend of the boisterous and the traditional. The city’s moat area is a focal point for water throwing, drawing large crowds. However, community activities such as constructing sand stupas at temples, often decorated with colourful flags and flowers, also continue. These sand pagodas are believed to prevent bad luck and bring prosperity. Family gatherings and respectful rituals for elders, including Rod Nam Dam Hua (gently pouring water over the palms of elders), are also observed.

Southern Thailand

In the south, while water play is equally enthusiastic, coastal areas often combine beach activities with the festival. Families gather for meals and relaxation. Temple visits for merit-making and paying respect to ancestors remain an important part of the day’s observances. The focus on family reunification is particularly strong, as individuals travel to their hometowns to celebrate with relatives.

When Is the Third Day of the Songkran Festival?

The Third Day of the Songkran Festival consistently falls on 15th April each year. This date is part of a fixed three-day period from 13th to 15th April, which constitutes the official public holiday for the Songkran Festival in Thailand.

While the original Songkran date was determined by astronomical calculations based on the sun’s position, the Thai government formalised the celebration dates to 13th, 14th, and 15th April. This ensures consistency and allows for nationwide planning for the New Year period. Therefore, the Third Day always occurs on 15th April, irrespective of the Gregorian calendar’s weekday.

Third Day of the Songkran Festival Key Facts