Chiang mai: Chiang Mai residents held a large merit-making ceremony, "Tan Khan Khao," at various temples to celebrate Phaya Wan, or the Lanna New Year.

According to Thai News Agency, Phaya Wan Day, or the Lanna New Year's Day, is considered the most auspicious day for making merit, offering food to the spirits, and dedicating merit to the deceased. It usually falls on April 15th each year, but this year it varies according to astrological principles, falling on April 16th. Chiang Mai residents visit various temples, such as Wat Phra Sing Woramahawihan, dressed in traditional Lanna attire. They arrive at the temple with their families to participate in the grand merit-making ceremony, offering food to the spirits, dedicating merit to the deceased, and receiving blessings from the monks. Additionally, there are ceremonies involving offerings of food and lanterns (krathong) for those born on different days of the week to make merit and ward off bad luck. Wat Phra Sing also holds a life-extending ceremony during this Lanna New Year period.

Outside the temple, Chiang Mai residents and tourists planted ceremonial flags on sand stupas, allowing their deceased relatives to hold onto the flags as they ascended to heaven. They also participated in the ritual of bathing the Buddha image for good fortune in life. During this year's Songkran festival, many Chiang Mai residents expressed that, since facing the PM2.5 air pollution problem, their only wish is for clean and safe air to return to normal.