In the Songkran legend, Nang Songkran Kirini is traditionally shown riding an elephant.
Kirini is one of the seven daughters of Thao Kabinlaphrom, whose story explains the recurring procession of the Nang Songkran figures. Traditional descriptions assign each daughter a particular mount, posture, food, and object. Kirini’s mount is an elephant, an animal with strong symbolic associations in Thai history and royal culture.
The Nang Songkran procession is linked to the handling of Thao Kabinlaphrom’s head after he loses a riddle contest. Because the head is believed to be dangerous if placed on the ground, in water, or in the air, the daughters take turns carrying it around Mount Meru.
These mythological details should not be confused with the water-splashing customs seen in streets today. Those celebrations developed alongside older ceremonies of blessing, cleansing, and paying respect to elders.