Songkran is an annual celebration in Thailand to begin the new year and marks a change to a new time or condition of life that occurs after the rice harvest usually in mid-April.
During this time, people commonly reunite with their families, reestablish community ties, and honor the elderly, ancestors, and sacred Buddha images in order to establish connections with holy power. As a symbol of cleansing, reverence, and well-wishing, spilling water during Songkran is especially significant. Children are taught Songkran knowledge, practices, and traditions orally by their parents from a young age. During the festivities, oral learning is passed down through stories, activities, and appropriate practices through regular social interaction and family interactions. Taking part in Songkran activities, as well as formal and informal education, encourages young people to learn.
Thailand has become an aged society despite rapid urbanization and a decrease in rural and agricultural communities. In order to ensure the continuity of traditional values, the Thai government declared two national holidays during the Songkran holiday period (National Elderly Day on April 13 and National Family Day on April 14). Inscribing Songkran on Representative List will promote human creativity and cultural diversity by highlighting each community's distinctive values, religious beliefs, and ethnic practices. Furthermore, it will provide opportunities for cultural exchange regardless of background or belief.
Observing and accompanying their parents, grandparents, and other adult family members in the Songkran celebration, younger generations learn the practices and customs of their families. As public places to interact, perform cultural celebrations, and engage in informal education, temples serve as public spaces in which families and community members participate in religious rituals for their ancestors and perform Buddhist ceremonies. As part of the national curriculum, schools are encouraged to provide materials that are relevant to the socioeconomic conditions and cultural identity of the region they serve. The Thai government has recognized Songkran as a major festival since 1948, declaring it a national holiday starting April 13. In addition, the government has also designated National Elderly Day and National Family Day as special days as part of Songkran celebrations nationwide.
In order to emphasize Songkran's traditional values and overcome constraints such as water conservation, public safety, and overcommercialization, the relevant authorities meet every year. Through collaboration with local communities, the Ministry of Culture periodically identifies and documents Songkran-related knowledge and practices, as well as its many variations, and disseminates it in schools and the media. Through these efforts, knowledge, and practices related to Songkran are preserved and promoted among children and youth.