Final answer:
The Songkran festival, celebrated with water fights, marks the Thai New Year and takes place in April. It is a blend of religious tradition and festive fun, symbolizing a cleansing of the past and welcoming the new year.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Songkran festival, known for its water fights, marks the Thai New Year and is celebrated in the month of April. This festival is one of Thailand's most famous holidays and a time when family and friends gather to show respect to elders and visit temples for prayer and to cleanse Buddha images with water. Although the festival has a religious origin, it has become well-known for the water fights that take place on the streets, which is symbolic of washing away the sins and bad luck from the previous year and welcoming the new year with a clean slate.
The festival is deeply rooted in Thai culture and tradition, with its rituals closely tied to the Buddhist faith. It's an example of how traditional practices have evolved over time to include fun and festive elements, making it a unique blend of solemnity and celebration. It's a time for spiritual reflection as well as communal joy, as the country erupts in a carnival-like atmosphere.