Songkran Lanna or Lanna New Year or ประเพณีปีใหม่เมือง (Pra Pa Ni Pi Mai Meang)

 April 13 or Wan Songkran Long

     Wan Sangkan Long means the old year passes by (Sangkan derived from the word Songkran. Lanna people cannot pronounce double consonants. So Songkran is pronounced Sangkan; Pret is pronounced Pet; Krot is pronounced, Kot.) According to the belief of the northern people, there are Kun Sangkan (a male) and Nang Songkran (a female). On New Year’s Day (Sankan Long)

 April 14 is called, Wan Nao or Wan Da (preparation day) and Family Day Thailand

     Wan Nao or Wan Da is an auspicious day when everyone must be cheerful, and must not curse or behave badly. In the morning, food and offerings for the monks are prepared and distributed to friends and relatives in the following morning. In the afternoon, sand is brought to the temple compounds and sand stapes are created as a form of worship to the Lord Buddha. Finally the time comes for gently splashing water at one another with a word of blessing.

              

 April 15 is called, Wan Phaya Wan

      Wan Phaya Wan, which is the most important day of the New Year celebration or the Wan Taleung Sok of the Central Region. There may be also 4 additional days of celebration: April 15th (Wan Pak Pi) . The people both young and old in their new clothing . The day marking the new year begins early in the morning when faithful Thai Buddhists give alms to Buddhist monks.  After that, they release caged animals, especially birds and fish.  Elders and parents will be visited and respected by their children and grandchildren.  The young pour scented water over their elder’s hands, they in return, wish them good health, happiness and prosperity.  This tradition of paying respect, is called “Rod Nam Dam Hua”.  April 16th (Wan Pak Deuan), April 17th (Wan Pak Wan), April 18 (Wan Pak Yam).

    But if you don't want to take part, just politely say "mai len khrup"(if you are male) and "mai len kha"(if you are female).