While many cultures celebrate New Year’s on December 31 and January 1, Thailand waits until April 13 to 15 to commemorate the holiday. Known as Songkran, it is traditionally very spiritual. Locals visit temples, sprinkle water on Buddha images to pay respect as well as on each other’s hands to wish them good luck. There are also cultural performances and delicious street foods to enhance the festivities. However, the annual Songkran has evolved over the years to include an all-out water fight through the city streets. Picture complete strangers hurling buckets of water at you and mercilessly shooting you with their water guns. This is Songkran.
Songkran festival dates and programming vary a bit from city to city. You can click here for full details for each region. Just remember, if you’re going to be in Thailand during Songkran, leave your electronics at home and don’t wear anything you don’t mind getting wet. Nobody is safe.
To get a better idea of what Songkran is like, check out the video above.