Songkran The word Songkran is from the Sanskrit language and means the passage of the sun from one sign of the Zodiac to another, there are twelve Songkrans each year but the significance of the this Songkran (sometimes called Major Songkran to distinguish it from the others) is when the sun enters the sign of Aries the Ram, The particular event was also closely related to the Vernal Equinox, The Songkran celebration is rich with symbolic traditions, Mornings begins with merit-making Visiting local temples and offering food to the Buddhist monks is commonly practiced, on this specific occasion, performing water on for this holiday it represents purification and the washing away one's sins and bad luck t3] As a festival of unity, people who have moved away usually return home to their loved ones and elders [3] As a way to show respect, younger often practice water pouring over the palms of elders' hands. Paying reverence to ancestors is also an important part of Songkran tradition. Making a splash The most famous aspect of the Songkran celebrations is the throwing of water.The custom originates from spring cleaning aspect of Songkran. Part of the ritual was the cleaning of images of Buddha Using the "blessed" water that cleaned the images to soak other people is seen as a way of paying respect and bring good fortune. It also doesn't hurt that April is the hottest part of the Thailand, so being soaked is a refreshing escape from the heat and humidity. Nowadays Thais will the streets having water fights' using containers of water or water guns, or stand at the side of roads with a hose and soak any one who passes by.