ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Songkran

Songkran is a very fun and special celebration in Thailand that happens every year on April 13-15th. It is the Thai New Year and is also known as the "Water Festival". During this time, everyone gets to have fun with water and throw it at each other! But, it's not just throwing water for fun, it is a tradition that means cleansing and washing away the old year's bad luck for the new year.

People pour water on each other using buckets, water guns, and hoses. But don't worry, they don't pour water on strangers without their permission. Most of the time, the water is poured over family members, friends, and loved ones.

Songkran is not just about playing with water, it is also a time for families to come together and visit temples to pray and make merit by making donations or offering food to the monks. Additionally, people clean their homes and important items to bring good luck into the new year.

Overall, Songkran is a time for celebrating with water, family, and friends while also washing away the old and welcoming the new.