Saṃkrānti is the Sanskrit-derived name for the solar transition that gives Songkran its name.
The Sanskrit word saṃkrānti refers to a transition or movement, especially the Sun’s movement from one zodiac sign to another. In the context of Songkran, it describes the Sun’s transition marking the traditional solar New Year in the region. The Thai festival name is derived from this Indic term.
The idea is part of a wider South and Southeast Asian calendrical tradition. Related New Year observances occur around April in several countries, although each has its own language, rituals, dates, and local history.
English spellings vary because Sanskrit and Thai words are transliterated in different ways. “Songkran” is the familiar Thai festival name, while “saṃkrānti” is the scholarly Sanskrit form. The word should not be confused with Vesak, which is a separate Buddhist observance commemorating events in the Buddha’s life.