What is the name of the first day of Songkran (April 13)?

The first day of Songkran, April 13, is called Wan Maha Songkran. The name means “Great Songkran,” and the day traditionally marks the end of the old year as the Sun enters Aries in the sidereal zodiac.

Songkran’s traditional observance is structured around three days. April 13 is Maha Songkran, April 14 is Wan Nao, and April 15 is Wan Thaloeng Sok. Although modern calendars and tourism materials often describe April 13 as the start of the festival, older calendrical tradition treats it as the closing day of the previous year.

The word Songkran comes from the Sanskrit saṅkrānti, referring to movement or an astrological passage. In Thailand, it specifically describes the Sun’s passage from Pisces toward Aries. A frequent mistake is confusing Wan Maha Songkran with Wan Thaloeng Sok: the former belongs to the old year’s transition, while the latter marks the traditional New Year itself.