| Due to the influence of the western culture, | | | | |
| almost all nations celebrate January 1 as New | | | | April 14 is considered as a day between old |
| Year's day, but each country has its own day | | | | year and New Year, as this day does not |
| of welcoming its New Year. Songkhran is a | | | | belong to any year they consider it as an odd |
| traditional New Year celebrated by the people | | | | day. On this day people will not perform any |
| of Thailand. Songkhran is celebrated from | | | | sort rituals. They also advise their children |
| April 13 to 15 each year. People celebrate | | | | not to quarrel with others. |
| this day as a day of fun by throwing water on | | | | |
| each other. | | | | On the 15th, people visit temples early in |
| | | | the morning. Later, they offer food to |
| Songkhran is a festival of three days and | | | | Buddhists monks. On this day all family |
| celebrated on April 13, 14 and 15 . However, | | | | members try to be together. The younger |
| the Thai consider 15th as the most auspicious | | | | members of the family visit homes of elders |
| day and they celebrate it as New Year. The | | | | to seek their blessings. The younger members |
| festival commences on April 13 with | | | | also ask for forgiveness for the mistakes |
| fireworks. People believe that burning | | | | they have done. The elders forgive them by |
| firecrackers will help them drive away evil | | | | giving them their blessings and offer words |
| forces. They give utmost importance to | | | | of guidance. After this, people enjoy |
| cleaning on this particular day. They clean | | | | themselves by throwing water on each other. |
| their houses, clothes, and all their | | | | They also mix some color in the water and |
| belongings. People also take care of their | | | | splash it on each other. |
| personal appearances by having a head bath. | | | | |