Tehran, April 2025 – The Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran hosted a vibrant cultural ceremony to mark the traditional Songkran Festival, also known as the Thai New Year. The event was attended by government officials, ambassadors from various countries, and distinguished guests. By official invitation of the Embassy, NiloofarAbi had the honor of participating in this celebration.

Songkran, celebrated annually in April, is one of Thailand’s most cherished traditions. It symbolizes the beginning of a new season, paying respect to elders, and spiritual as well as social renewal. The festival is renowned for its joyful rituals, including honoring elders, washing Buddha statues, and the lively water-splashing activities among the people.

On the sidelines of this celebration, the Embassy unveiled the official logo and special programs that will take place in September to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and Thailand. Thus, the Songkran Festival in Tehran not only highlighted Thailand’s rich cultural heritage but also offered a glimpse into the upcoming celebrations of seven decades of friendship between the two nations.

Songkran: The Festival of Water and Renewal

One of the most symbolic highlights of the ceremony was the Songkran Water Festival ritual. In Thai, “Songkran” means to move or to change place, a reference to the movement of the sun through the zodiac. It marks the traditional Thai New Year and is deeply rooted in Thai beliefs, signifying the start of the rainy season, washing away misfortunes of the past year, and welcoming a fresh beginning.

The ritual begins with younger family members pouring scented, sacred water over the hands of their elders as a gesture of respect, receiving blessings in return. April 13 is officially recognized as “National Elderly Day”, while April 14 is celebrated as “Family Day.” After paying respect to elders and cleansing Buddha statues, communities engage in spirited water-splashing. What was once a modest ritual with small bowls of water has transformed into nationwide festivities, with people using buckets and hoses in joyful water battles. The most famous Songkran celebrations are held in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, attracting countless visitors each year.

At the Embassy in Tehran, this part of the celebration—accompanied by a diplomatic luncheon—created a unique and festive atmosphere among ambassadors and guests.

A Milestone Toward the 70th Anniversary

Another highlight of the event was the speech by the Ambassador of Thailand, followed by the unveiling of the commemorative program for the upcoming 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Memorable images captured during the ceremony feature the presence of NiloofarAbi’s CEO being warmly welcomed, as well as distinguished attendees holding NiloofarAbi souvenirs. These moments reflected the cultural significance and diplomatic prestige of the gathering.

This remarkable celebration not only introduced Thailand’s ancient traditions to the Iranian audience but also laid the groundwork for strengthening cultural and economic interactions between the two countries, while preparing the stage for the grand commemoration of 70 years of Iran–Thailand relations.