The word Songkran means "The beginning of a new solar year". It is a Sanskrit word that in a way resembles the Christian Easter. The young and the old visit their Wat where food is offered to the monks and music is played to accompany the feast. As in the case of Chinese New Year, here too on the eve of Songkran, women clean their homes and throw away the old and useless items. On the 13th day, the Buddha idols are bathed with aromatic water. The youngsters of the family pour this water into the hands of the elders and parents as a mark of respect and seek their blessings.

Another popular custom of the Songkran festival is, to set free the birds and fishes.

During this festival, the entire place comes alive with music, dance and parades. It is believed that giant serpents or "nagas" bring rain to the crops by taking water from the sea. This is also the time when religious services are carried out in memory of the dead.

In true Thai style, Songkran is a festival that can be enjoyed and shared by all and cherished forever.

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