Songkran, the Thai New Year festival, falls on April 13.

The word “Songkran” comes from Sanskrit, which means “astrological passage.” It indicates a transformation or change. Songkran coincides with the rising of Aries on the astrological chart, which marks the New Year of many cultures in south and southeast Asia.

Thailand’s elephants play a central role in the celebrations. They are painted with different colors, decorated with various items, and paraded down major streets.

As part of the tradition, Thais visit local temples and offer food to Buddhist monks. People also pour water on Buddhist statues to signify purification and the washing away of bad fortune.