Randomness

In mid-April, Thailand is the place to be. The Kingdom celebrates Songkran festival, a 3-day Public holiday with some regions extending up to a week, which marks the start of the traditional Thai New Year.

During this time, most urban dwellers travel to the villages to celebrate with their families. Additionally, a lot of tourists arrive in the country for this celebration.

The fete begins on a Friday morning. Water barrels are lined on the streets and filled to the brim. Tents are pitched for shelter against the burning sun and finally speakers are strategically placed far from possible water splashing. It is all about water throwing, dancing and drinking beer. During this time it is impossible to be socially isolated unless one chooses to.

Having a water gun in hand and a waterproof pouch, let us head out. On closed city streets there are massive water fights. Some use water guns and others buckets to throw water. Room temperature water is the norm but you could also be drenched in ice cold water. This brings a relief from the high temperatures. On the faces they apply white powder as a sign of good luck for the new year. The revelers often dress up in bright, colorful, floral shirts.

This year I got to experience Songkran Festival in Ubon Ratchathani, a city in North-Eastern Thailand. Besides the street water fights that were incredible, there was a sprinkler fest organized by the local government. To attend the Mor Lam concert, we had to go through the water jets. The sprays had some little force but in some way, it felt like walking in the rain. The younger me was thrilled.

Do you love vibrant colors? Does water fun excite you? If the answer to both is yes, then this would be the perfect kind of enjoyment.