What does the word 'Songkran' mean in Sanskrit?

In Sanskrit, “Songkran” means an astrological passage.

The Thai word Songkran derives from Sanskrit saṅkrānti, a term connected with movement, transition, or the passage of the Sun from one zodiac position to another. In Thailand, it specifically refers to the Sun’s movement from Pisces into Aries, which marks the traditional solar New Year.

The Sanskrit concept is broader than the Thai festival. In Indian astronomical and calendrical usage, a saṅkrānti can occur whenever the Sun enters a new zodiac sign, so such transitions are recognized throughout the year. Thailand’s Maha Songkran is the especially important passage associated with the New Year.

“Water festival” is a popular description of how Songkran is celebrated today, but it is not the word’s literal meaning. “New Year” describes the festival’s function, while “full moon” refers to a lunar phase and does not explain the term’s Sanskrit origin.