Happy Thai New Year! As the water splashes and joyous cheers fill the air, Nai Mu, our spiritual guru from God’s City on Ticy City, invites you to uncover the enchanting tale behind the Seven Goddesses of Songkran—daughters of Thao Kabinlaphrom, deeply rooted in Thai mythology.
What is Songkran?
Songkran marks the traditional Thai New Year, celebrated annually from April 13–15. It’s more than just a water fight—this vibrant festival blends royal rituals with local fun and holds deep cultural significance. The term “Songkran” comes from Sanskrit, meaning “to move” or “to pass,” symbolizing the sun’s journey into Aries in April.
Across Asia, especially in Buddhist countries, Songkran is a time for spiritual cleansing, merit-making, and community celebrations.
Who Are the Seven Songkran Goddesses?
In Thai mythology, each year a different celestial daughter of Thao Kabinlaphrom—known as “Nang Songkran”—descends to Earth to carry her father’s sacred head in a ceremonial procession around Mount Sumeru. Each goddess represents a day of the week and brings her unique symbolism, attire, and animal mount.
Let’s meet the seven divine daughters:
- Tungsa Thewi (Sunday) – Wears red, adorned with ruby (Padmaraga), crowned with a pomegranate flower. Her food is figs, she holds a discus and conch, and rides a sleeping Garuda.
- Korad Thewi (Monday) – Dresses in yellow, decorated with pearls, and wears a pip flower. Eats oil, holds a dagger and cane, and rides a tiger.
- Raksot Thewi (Tuesday) – Clad in pink, adorned with agate, with a lotus crown. Feeds on blood (symbolic), wields a trident and bow, and rides a boar.
- Monta Thewi (Wednesday) – Wears green, decorated with cat’s eye (chrysoberyl), and crowned with champaka. Eats milk and butter, holds an iron spear and cane, and lies on a donkey.
- Kirin Thewi (Thursday) – Dressed in orange, adorned with emerald, crowned with magnolia. Eats beans and sesame, holds a dagger and gun, and reclines on an elephant.
- Kimit Thewi (Friday) – Wears blue, adorned with topaz, crowned with a rose. Eats bananas and water, holds a sword and lute, and stands on a buffalo.
- Mahotorn Thewi (Saturday) – Dressed in purple, adorned with sapphire, crowned with water hyacinth. Eats deer meat, carries a discus and trident, and rides a peacock.
In 2025, the spotlight shines on Tungsa Thewi, who will arrive on April 14 at 4:28 AM, riding a sleeping Garuda. Her right hand holds a discus, her left a conch. This day, known as Maha Songkran, marks the official celestial transition.
What Does This Mean for 2025?
According to the Department of Cultural Promotion, 2025 is the Year of the Snake (Measaeng). Based on Thai astrological readings, the year brings abundant rainfall—600 showers in total—and a prosperous harvest, with 9 out of 10 crops yielding success.
Astrologically, Friday is this year’s most auspicious day, known as “Thong Chai” or the Victory Day, while Wednesday governs rainfall and Sunday brings global transformation. Expect harmony, fertility, and growth in both nature and society.
Did You Know?
The goddess’ posture during her descent (standing, sitting, sleeping, or reclining) reveals predictions for the coming year. In 2025, Tungsa Thewi arrives sleeping with eyes closed—believed to bless the nation with peace and royal prosperity.
A Tradition Reinvented
While today’s Songkran often brings to mind water fights and beauty pageants, the roots trace back to ancient legends. The most iconic beauty contest is the Visutkasat Songkran Queen Pageant, dating to the late 1930s. It began as a small offering ceremony and evolved into a showcase of grace, with winners once receiving golden water bowls from the Ban Pan Thom community.
Famous Thai actresses like Sinjai Hongthai, Jariya Anfone, and Namfon Suangsuda once graced this stage before reaching national fame.
Songkran Goes Global
In 2024, UNESCO officially recognized Thai Songkran as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This milestone inspired the World Songkran Festival, a nationwide celebration across all 76 provinces and 50 districts in Bangkok. The Ministry of Culture even appointed Antonia Porsild, Miss Universe 2023 Runner-Up, as the face of the festival.
For 2025, the theme is “My Hometown Songkran: Thai Colors, Global Joy”—an effort to elevate Thai traditions to international prominence.
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