In most provinces of Thailand, the Songkran Festival is celebrated from April 13th to April 15th. At this time of the year, Thai people visit temples to offer food to the monks and to participate in bathing ceremonies of Buddha statues. At home, young people pour scented water onto the hands of their parents and elders as a mark of respect. In return, they receive the blessings of the elderly. Another unique Songkran custom is the releasing of live birds and fish purchased in markets. This merit-making act is thought to have come from the old practice of collecting small fish from dried out pools, so that they can later be relesed back into their natural habitat.