Songkran ir rooted in the distant past. Ancient Indian Brahmins considered the passing of the moon,sun and planets into the zodiac sign of Aries to signal a new astrological year. The Sanskrit term songkran implies "ascending" or "moving in" and this astronomical event takes place in April. For the ancients, animal emerging from hibernation,and trees bearing blossom, probably contributed to this feeling of a fresh star. Like so many influences from India,thale April new year was adopted by the Thais, and adapted to become a distintive part of Thai culture. Celebrated during the thai hot season, before the monsoon rain, it is a time when farmers are free routine duties and a little water splashing helps to keep everyone cool. The Thais have probably celebrated Songkran, in some way, since at lest the 13 th century.