What are the similarities between all the countries in Southeast Asia? Rice as life, geographical conditions, world tourist destinations, and cultural diversity. But one of the most impactful ways they showcase their shared heritage and enhance global connections is through cultural festivals—a unique form of soft diplomacy.

These festivals, rooted in history, geography, and religion, are unique to each nation yet often share similar philosophies or practices. It serves as a powerful tool to increase cross-cultural understanding, promote national identities, and attract international attention, thereby strengthening diplomatic relations.

At the same time, the differences between these festivals add a unique charm and display the region’s celebrated unity in diversity. So, what are these "same yet different" festivals spread across Southeast Asia?

Boat racing competition: Bon Om Touk - Cambodia and Pacu Jalur - Indonesia

“Bon Om Touk,” which means “boat-racing festival,” is Cambodia’s water festival marked by dragon boat racing. The competition has a thousand-year tradition, dating back to the 13th century. It is usually held during the rainy season in November, which also marks the end of Cambodia's rainy season and the beginning of the harvest season.

Originally, Bon Om Tuok is a thanksgiving to the river goddess, Preah Mae Kongkea for its rich blessings and to wish for the following year’s harvest. More than a hundred dragon boats with the oarsmen and people, gather at Phnom Penh’s Tonle Sap River – the world’s only river system where water flows in both directions – to watch the dragon boats race at full speed in the murky waters, creating a spectacular view with their decorative and colorful boats.

Rooted in deep Cambodian history, Bon Om Touk dates back to the reign of King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, commemorating his naval victory over the Cham in a crucial battle at Tonle Sap Lake. The festival honors Cambodia's important waterways and the country's dependence on these rivers for survival.

Read also: Celebrating Bon Om Touk: Cambodia's Grand Water Festival and Its Rich Heritage

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, there is “Pacu Jalur,” a traditional rowing competition originating from the Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Regency, Riau Province. Initially, this festival has been going on for generations, dating back hundreds of years. The traditional boats used were once the main mode of transportation for village residents. The boats are made of whole wood without joints, with a boat length that can reach 25-40 meters and a middle section width of around 1.3 to 1.5 meters.

Initially, Pacu Jalur was held to celebrate Islamic religious holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr. However, during the Dutch colonial period, this tradition was used to celebrate Queen Wilhelmina's birthday every August 31. Nowadays, Pacu Jalur has become a festival and competition to enliven Indonesia's Independence Day on August 17.

The most interesting part of Pacu Jalur is the presence of “Anak Coki,” a little dancer who holds the front position of the boat. Generally, this position is filled by a small child because their light body weight does not add to the weight of the boat. However, Anak Coki also has a special task: to tell the position of the boat through distinctive dance movements.

Water festival: Songkran - Thailand and Thingyan Water Festival - Myanmar

One of the most recognized and anticipated festivals in Southeast Asia is “Songkran,” or Thailand’s New Year. Songkran is came from a phrase in the Sanskrit language that means “passage of the sun.” Therefore, it occurs in mid-April, after the rice harvest, or when the sun annually passes into the Aries constellation—the first sign of the Zodiac— which marks the traditional start of the new year.

Water fights are a characteristic symbol of Songkran, meant to wash away the past year's misfortunes so people can have a fresh start for the next year. But before the water fight begins, families reunite to pay respect to their elders, ancestors, and sacred Buddha. They prepare for the new year by cleaning houses, schools, offices, and other public spaces.

The next morning, many families wake up early to visit Buddhist temples, bringing offerings such as food and listening to the monks as they preach. Then, they sprinkle clean or scented water on the Buddha statue to symbolize purification and good luck. Young people also pour water on the hands of elder relatives to show respect and ask for blessings in the coming year.

After the serene moments, the real fight begins, and streets across Thailand transform into a watery battlefield, as people get soaked by splashing each other with water guns, buckets, and hoses.

Read also: The Perfect Time to Visit Thailand, Here Are The Must-Do Activities for Songkran Festival!

The same scene also happens in Myanmar, which also celebrates in April but to honor the Burmese lunar calendar; this festival is called “Thingyan.” This tradition is rooted in an old Hindu belief, but its practice has been developed under the protection of Buddhist kingship in Myanmar for nearly a millennium. In this context, the King of Devas, Indra (Śakra, Dhagya Min in Burmese), is regarded as a guardian of Buddhism.

Due to the Myanmar kings' belief in royal fortune tellers, which significantly influenced Myanmar astrology as we know it today, Burmese people believe that Dhagya Min descends to Earth every year during Thingyan to check on human misdemeanors of the year.

Read also: Myanmar: The Only Subtropical Oasis in Southeast Asia's

The Thingyan festival, celebrated over five days, honors Lord Indra. Day 1, a-kyo-nei in Burmese, marks the start of religious rituals. Day 2, a-kya nei, symbolizes Lord Indra’s arrival on Earth and is celebrated with water-throwing. Day 3, a-kyat nei, marks Lord Indra’s stay on Earth. Day 4, a-tet nei, signifies his return to the celestial realm and the cessation of water-throwing. On Day 5, hnit hsan ta yet nei, people make New Year's resolutions and invite monks to expel evil spirits.

Splashing water on one another also symbolizes cleansing and purification. It is said that the more water you receive, the better your life will be in the coming year. Traditional customs, music, dance, and vibrant street parades fill the roads, especially in Mandalay, famous for its lively Thingyan celebrations.