Offering alms to monks and praying are just two ways of making merit. Early morning in most towns and cities, monks in saffron robes can be seen collecting alms. As well as food and flowers, items such as washing powder and anything the temples may find useful in their day-to-day running are also donated by the public. Many Thai festivals, such as Songkran (Thai New Year), provide opportunities to make-merit and help clear the slate for any previous indiscretions.