Songkran Buddhist festival Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook Twitter URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/Songkran Share Share Share to social media Facebook Twitter URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/Songkran Also known as: Chaul Chnam Thmey, Poshui Jie, Thingyan Written by Charles Preston Charles Preston is Associate Editor for Religion at Encyclopædia Britannica. Charles Preston Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Jun 10, 2024 • Article History Table of Contents Also called: Poshui Jie, Chaul Chnam Thmey, Pbeemai, and Thingyan (Show more) Songkran, splashy and water-filled New Year festival in Thailand, and, by other names, in Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), and Laos as well as in parts of India and China. Songkran is celebrated approximately April 13–15 and marks the entrance of the sun into the astrological sign of Mesha (“ram,” or Aries, according to the Western zodiac). Observances on this holiday include sprinkling water on Buddha statues, giving alms to Buddhist monks, honoring elders, and, most prominently, engaging in lively community festivities featuring ample spraying with water. In 2023 UNESCO inscribed Songkran on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of ...(100 of 981 words)

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