Description
This is the Thai New Year, observed by Buddhists. The occasion is characterised by a water festival known as Thinyan in Myanmar, Boun Pimai in Laos and Songkran in Thailand. While it is rejoiced widely in Thailand, it is more of a temple-based celebration in Malaysia. Buddha images are brought out of the temples for devotees to anoint them, while sacred alms are offered to monks, and caged birds and animals are released to signify freedom. It is also a time for family reunion and for the younger generations to pay their respects to their elders.