Songkran has made a splash on the world’s stage as UNESCO inscribed the traditional Thai New Year festival on its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List.

"Songkran promotes community cooperation, unity and forgiveness. It is viewed as a time to symbolically wash away misfortunes, pray for prosperity for the coming year, reunite with family members, and honor ancestors and older adults," UNESCO wrote on its website.

The celebration in April is one of Thailand's most well-known festivals globally and among the most popular times for foreign tourists to visit the Kingdom, as most enjoy the water dousing and mock water-gun battles during the peak of the tropical hot season.

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organization, made the announcement upon concluding its 18th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Botswana on December 6.

The inscription of “Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival” on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (RL) under the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage or the 2003 UNESCO Convention marks another proud moment for Thailand and will significantly contribute to the international recognition of the values and importance of Songkran as the intangible cultural heritage on this very important tradition, as well as the manifestation of local wisdom and cultural diversity in various regions of Thailand. The inscription would also encourage a strong role and participation of community in promoting the learning, access, development and safeguarding of such cultural heritage for the next generation.

"Occurring in mid-April after the rice harvest, it is a time when people reunite with their families and pay their respects to older adults, ancestors and sacred Buddha images," UNESCO wrote on its website.

"Pouring water is a significant act during Songkran, symbolizing cleansing, reverence and good fortune. Other activities include bathing important Buddha images, splashing water on family and friends, folk plays, games, music and feasting," UNESCO wrote.

Photo courtesy of https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/songkran-in-thailand-traditional-thai-new-year-festival-01719