New years in Theravadan Buddhism is often called Maha Songkram (in Thailand), derived from the Sanskrit word, saṅkrānti (or, more specifically, meṣa saṅkrānti which means literally “astrological passage”).  Maha Songkran means ‘great Songkran — since technically there is a Songkran every month. 

Theravadan New Year is celebrated all over South East Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Thailand and India — is typically a three-day celebration beginning with a temple visit (usually) on April April 6 to 8 this year (2023). Songkran 2023 in Thailand began on Wednesday, April 6, and ends on Friday, April 8. It is also Nepali New Year April 6! Some celebrate on the weekend April 9-10. In many areas the three days are a holiday.

A time of celebration, resolutions, alms, respect and purification

This is a time of year when Buddhists reflect on the past year, make resolutions for the coming one, and perform special ceremonies. One important part of Theravada New Year is the water festival, in which people meet the Buddha image and pay respect to the elderly by watering their hands together. This ritual symbolizes purity and the washing away of bad karma. Meritorious activities, such as offering alms to the monastic community is also a wonderful activity for New Year:

Another popular activity during Theravada New Year is building sandcastles, which is said to bring good luck. The New Year is also a time for families and friends to get together and enjoy food, games, and conversation. In some countries, such as Sri Lanka, the lottery is also a big part of New Year’s festivities.

Whatever your tradition, we wish you a happy and peaceful Theravada Buddhist New Year!

Activities typical for New Year

Theravada Buddhist New Year typically includes:

• New Year celebrations on and after April 16 2022
• Alms rounds: giving to the monastic community
• A temple visit
• Water festival
• Respect for the elderly
• Sandcastles
• Good luck activities
• Family and friends gathering
• Food and games
• Lotteries

Captured Animal Release

Traditionally, in many countries, people celebrate Buddhist New Year by releasing captured animals, birds or fish. This is to free the creatures and bring good luck for the new year. If you’re interested in participating in this tradition, please be sure to check with your local authorities before releasing any animals into the wild. Also, be aware that — due to this tradition — some vendors actually increase the suffering of animals, birds and fish by capturing them specifically for this event.

Kindness in general is important (all year round) but especially in the three days of New Year. So, whatever your tradition, please do remember to be kind to all living beings!

Build Sand Castles

On this day of celebration, we build sand castles and play in the water — in warmer climates! You may perhaps go to the beach or a riverbank where you can construct a sand castle. Consider all of your errors while building your castle, acknowledge them as such, and consider how you might repair or avoid making similar mistakes in the future. As the surf or waves erode away your sand construction, so do your negative karmic activities, and you are reborn as a better person: a better individual.

Celebrate on Social Media

Another way you can celebrate Theravadan New Year is to wish all beings a happy, prosperous, kind, and peaceful New Year, including wishes for peace around the world. Perhaps use the hashtag #TheravadaNewYear to help friends find your messages of good will.

Spread the Dharma

New Year — and all year — is a good time on Social media and elsewhere to Spread the Dharma with the hashtag #SpreadTheDharma

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