This Thai traditional New Year begins with early morning merit-making, offering food to Buddhist monks and releasing caged birds to fly freely  into the sky. During this auspicious occasion, any animals kept will be set free Paying homage to one’s ancestors is an important part of the day. People will pay their respects to the elders by  pouring scented water over the palms of their hands. The elders in return wish the youngsters good luck and prosperity .

In the afternoon, after performing a bathing rite for Buddha images and the monks, the celebrants both young and old, joyfully splash water on each other. The most-talked about celebration takes place in the northern province  of  Chiang Mai where Songkran is celebrated from April 13 to 15 During this period, people from all parts  of the country  flock there to enjoy the water festival, to watch the Miss Songkarn Contest and the beautiful parades.

In Bangkok, the Buddha image “Buddhasihing” is brought out from the National Museum for people to sprinkle lustral water at Sanam Luang,opposite the Grand Plalce.

There are also important celebrations through the country at various tourist destinations:
• Songkran Festival at Khao sarn road, Bangkok
• Old City Songkran Festival, Ayutthaya
• Songkran Festival, Chon Buri
• Amazing Songkran, Suphan Buri
• Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival, Samut Prakarn
• Songkran Festival, Chiang Mai
• Songkran Festival, Sukhothai
• Fantastic Northeast Songkran, Golden Shower Tree and ‘Kan’ Festival and Sticky Rice Road in Khon Kaen
• Grand Northeast Songkran Festival, Nong Khai
• Songkran Nakhon Phnom and Thai-Lao New Year Celebration
• Hat Yai Midnight Songkran, Songkhla
• Grand Songkran Festival and ‘Nang Dan’ Parade, Nakhon Si Thammarat
• Songkran on the Beach and Phuket Bike Week 2010