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Songkran, also known as the Thai New Year or the Water Splashing Festival, is Thailand's grandest traditional celebration, typically held annually from April 13th to 15th. The act of "splashing water" symbolizes washing away the misfortunes and bad luck of the past year and welcoming the purity and blessings of the new year. During the festival, people visit temples to perform merit-making rituals, pour water over the hands of elders as a sign of respect, and engage in joyful water fights on the streets to represent friendship and well-wishes. In addition to water, people often apply white powder to each other's faces as a symbol of cleanliness and protection, believed to bring peace and good luck. Songkran not only showcases the vibrant and warm nature of the Thai people but also conveys cultural values such as respecting elders and cherishing family and community bonds. In 2023, Songkran was officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its significant status in Southeast Asian culture.