Songkran is the ancient Thai New Year of Lanna people. April 13th or Wan Sangkan Long means the old year passes by and it is day when an era is changed. In the early morning of the day, firecrackers are set off to drive away all bad luck from the previous year. The locals clean their houses, bathe, wash their hair, wear new clothes and visit certain places or "New Year's Visit". Today is the day to begin the splash of water at one another. The next day, April 14th, is called Wan Nao or Wan Da (preparation day). It is a day to prepare necessities for merit making. In the afternoon, sand is brought from the river to the monastery compounds nearby the house and sand stupas are laid as a form of worship to the Lord Buddha, elaborately decorated with colorful flags. Splashing water at one another continues for the second day. The third day, April 15th, is called Wan Phaya Wan or Wan Taleung Sok, The food and offerings are brought to the monasteries to make merit to the elders and the late ancestors. This is called Tan Kan Kao. After that people use branches and sticks to prop up the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, free birds and fish and bathe Buddha images. Moreover, the young pay respect to the elders by pouring water onto the elders' hands (Rot Nam Dam Hua), asking for forgiveness of bad deeds in the past. Rot Nam Dam Hua continues until Wan Pak Pee. The day will have Rot Nam Dam Hua procession dressed in native costume. The flowers are beautifully arranged in the form of a bush, headed by traditional dance to pour water onto respected monks and high-ranking government officials. Today there are Dam Hua Khu or to bathe the stupas that contains the ashes of their ancestors, which is considered unique culture of the North. It is the deed of asking for forgiveness, to pay respect to each other with sincerity and the unity in the group. The famous Songkran festival of the North is the Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai.