Thailand's Songkran New Year Festival used to signify a cleansing of bad luck and a new beginning. The younger generation would ask for the blessings of their elders, and pour scented water over their hands as a sign of respect.
Now, it's an all-out water war. People take to the streets with hoses, buckets, and water guns as they try to get everyone around them as sopping wet as possible.
Though Thailand is not the only country to hold the nation-wide water fight, it is the most famous. Tourists come from all over the world just to be a part of the wet and wild activities.
But there is a darker side to the celebration — the traffic accident death toll usually doubles during this time of year since all the festivals lead to widespread drunk driving.
Some people in Thailand still observe the old Songkran tradition of washing their elders' hands with scented water to show respect.
But most just join in the all-day water fight that rages in the streets.
Hoses, buckets, and squirt guns are the favorite weapons for those celebrating the New Year.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider