Mid-April (13-15th) every year, Cambodia, Lao, Myanmar and Thailand commemorate its new year celebration. It is gathering and celebration time, families and eating, travel and relaxing time from work or business. The time of national celebration known as Choul Chhnam Thmey (or Sangran) in Cambodia, Songran in Thailand, Bun Pi Mai in Laos and Thingyan in Myanmar. It is a public holiday, lasts between 3-5 days depends on which day it falls on. It is very important and special time in life as we wait the entire year just to celebrate this with the family. Usually, during these days, we go to temple to offer food to the monks and dedicate to the ancestors. Some activities during this time beside rituals and religious activities include water splashing games, merit-making activities and giving a shower to elders, especially parents.
In the past, kids played popular games at temples where colourful decorations were made to attract people as well as welcoming new angels. Later and recently (before Covid), young people turned the new year celebration into events by choosing one temple nearby town and arranged it as mega events, with live music, plays and cultural performances.