Nationwide water fights, traditional Buddhist rituals, parties, parades and plenty of alcohol. The Thai new year, better known as Songkran, is now officially under way.
Running from April 13-16 this year -- some cities stretch the celebrations out for a full week -- Songkran marks the beginning of the new solar year and the summer season in Thailand.
Though Songkran is more famous for the huge water fights that rock the streets of Chiang Mai and popular Bangkok tourist zones like Silom and Khao San Road, there is a traditional side to the event.
On the first day of festivities, families and friends celebrate Songkran by visiting temples and pouring water on each others' hands as a blessing, to start the year filled with good luck. People also pour water -- seen as a way of washing away bad luck -- over Buddha statues.
Over the years, those traditions have evolved into a nationwide water fight, a welcome form of relief given that April is the hottest month of the year.
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