Sometimes referred to as the Thailand Water Festival, Songkran is an annual event that marks the (begin) of the Thai New Year. It's the (large) celebration throughout the whole country.
The festival kicks off April 13 and usually lasts three days though festivities can start early or end later in some cities. The holiday's main focus is about moving forward — in fact, the word Songkran comes from a phrase in Sanskrit language that means "passage of the sun".
Water plays a major role in the festival. (symbolical) it washes away the previous year so people can get ready for the next one.
Many families wake up early during Songkran and visit Buddhist temples, they bring offerings such as food and listen to monks as they preach. People sprinkle clean or scented water over statues of Buddha to represent purification and good fortune. Younger (visit) also pour water on the hands of elderly relatives and friends (show) their respect and ask for blessings in the coming year.
Honoring family traditions and (religion) practices are important, but so is having some fun. Outside, Songkran (celebrate) with street parties featuring loud music and a giant friendly water fight!
