Kanchanaburi, a province in western Thailand, shares a border with the Mon State of Myanmar. As a result, many areas in the province such as Lum Sum, Tha Takuan, Sai Yok, and Thong Pha Phum are home to a large Mon population. This proximity has made cross-border travel and settlement easy, leading to continuous trade and cultural exchange. One of the most significant cultural traditions the Mon people have brought with them is the Mon Songkran Festival.
Origins of the Mon Songkran Festival
Mon Songkran, known in the Mon language as “Paj Aht Ta”, is the Mon people’s traditional New Year celebration based on the lunar calendar. It is a major annual festival passed down through generations. The celebration typically begins on April 13 and continues into early May. During this time, Mon communities in every village hold merit-making ceremonies and large-scale festivities. The festival in Thailand is a continuation of the traditions brought by Mon immigrants, preserving their cultural heritage.
Highlights of the Mon Songkran Festival
While Mon Songkran shares similarities with the Thai Songkran — such as temple visits and water play — it also includes unique cultural elements that reflect the beliefs and traditions of the Mon people. Let’s explore some of its key highlights:
Stirring Kalamae (Traditional Sweet)
Stirring kalamae is a central activity during the Mon Songkran Festival. Villagers come together to stir kalamae in large iron pans, which takes around four hours per batch. This is not just about making sweets for the holiday — it fosters community unity and gives people a chance to meet, talk, and work together. It’s also a way to preserve local wisdom in traditional dessert-making.
Making Merit
Making merit holds great importance in Mon Songkran. It symbolizes a fresh start for the new year, cleansing away the misfortunes of the past year and bringing good luck. From April 13 to 15, locals visit temples to give alms, offer food to monks, and observe precepts. Merit is also dedicated to ancestors to express gratitude and seek blessings for the new year.
Bamboo Tube Water Pouring Ceremony
A highlight of Mon Songkran is the ceremony of pouring water over Buddha images through bamboo tubes — especially at Wat Wang Wiwekaram in Sangkhla Buri, Kanchanaburi. Villagers gather bamboo from the forest and create long water channels used to pour holy water over Buddha statues. This tradition, initiated by Luang Phor Uttama, symbolizes purity, unity, and reverence for Buddhism. Building the bamboo pipes together each year promotes community solidarity.
After the water pouring ritual, men with strong faith may lie flat on the ground for monks to walk over their backs. It is believed that monks, being pure, should not touch the ground after the ritual. This act is also thought to ward off illness and bring good fortune.
Eating Mon-Style Khao Chae to Welcome the New Year
Khao Chae, called “Poeung Hong Grab” in Mon, is a must-have dish during Mon Songkran. More than just a refreshing meal, it is a symbolic way to welcome the new year. The rice is served in a clay pot with cool aromatic water, accompanied by side dishes like shredded boiled fish stir-fried with mango and shallots. Eating this dish is also a way to honor ancestors, as it is often offered to monks and elder family members — strengthening family bonds and community ties.
Pouring Water on Elders to Ask for Blessings
This ritual is a vital part of Mon Songkran, expressing gratitude and respect to elders. In the evening, younger family members pour scented water over the hands of their parents, grandparents, and respected elders to ask for blessings for the new year.
This tradition not only shows respect but also strengthens intergenerational connections and passes on cultural values. It symbolizes letting go of the old year and receiving new blessings.
The Cultural Significance of Mon Songkran
Songkran is deeply meaningful in Mon culture. It’s not just a festive holiday but a time of renewal, cleansing, and community bonding. The festival reflects Mon beliefs, values, and way of life. It plays a vital role in preserving traditional customs and wisdom across generations.
Moreover, Mon Songkran showcases the unique identity of the Mon people while harmonizing with broader Thai society — demonstrating cultural coexistence and unity.
Conclusion
Mon Songkran is a profoundly significant celebration for Thai-Mon communities. It is not only a New Year festival but also a chance to express cultural values and traditional ways of life. Activities such as stirring kalamae, making merit, the bamboo water-pouring ritual, eating Mon-style khao chae, and elder blessing rituals all carry deep meaning and reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Mon people.
If you’d like to experience Mon Songkran and immerse yourself in Mon traditions, we recommend staying at River Kwai Jungle Rafts — a floating resort on the River Kwai Noi in Kanchanaburi. Surrounded by lush nature and fully equipped with modern amenities, it’s the perfect base to enjoy the full three-day Mon Songkran celebration in comfort and harmony with nature.