ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Songkran (Thailand)

Songkran is a very special and happy holiday that is celebrated in Thailand every year in April. It is the Thai New Year's Day and it lasts for three whole days! The people of Thailand believe that during Songkran, everything gets cleansed and purified so that they can start afresh with positivity and a clear heart.

During the three days of Songkran, people all across the country spray water on each other as a way of wishing each other good luck and happiness. This water is often mixed with fragrances such as jasmine or flowers. The tradition of throwing water on each other represents the washing away of bad luck, misfortunes, and sins.

People also visit temples and offer food to Buddhist monks, along with making merit by donating to the poor or visiting the elderly. In addition to that, people also clean their houses and decorate them with flowers, lights, and colorful flags.

Songkran is also marked by cultural performances and parades, where people dress up in traditional Thai clothes and dance to Thai music. Everyone, young and old, participate in the festivities by spraying water on each other, laughing, and enjoying the delicious traditional foods like Khao Tom Mud, a sweet sticky rice dessert.

So, Songkran is that time of the year when everyone in Thailand comes together to celebrate and spread joy, positivity, and good wishes with water and traditional rituals.