Breaking news: Thailand's Songkran Festival gets everyone "soaked" — even police cars struggle to get through

▲ During the Thai Songkran Festival, even police cars find it hard to get through. (Photo / Provided by Hank)

Reported by You T-Ru / Compiled by HowToTrip

The three-day Songkran Festival sees the first two days symbolizing "saying goodbye to the old" and the last day representing "welcoming the new." During the festival, being outdoors anywhere in Thailand means getting completely drenched no matter what you’re wearing. This nationwide, crazy celebration attracts hordes of tourists back year after year just to witness the jaw-dropping power of the water fights.


▲% Count alliance? During the festival, anyone outdoors will definitely get soaked. (Photo / Provided by Hank)


Thailand’s Songkran Festival, also known as the "Sangken Festival" (Thai: สงกรานต์, Songkran), is held annually from April 13th to 15th in the Gregorian calendar and is one of the most grand traditional festivals in Southeast Asia. On the day of the festival, people in Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and other regions first perform morning Buddhist bathing rituals before beginning the celebrations. Over the three-day celebration, streets are packed with people splashing water on each other, symbolizing the washing away of the misfortunes and sorrows of the past year, and joyfully welcoming the new year with hope.








▲ During the Songkran Festival, everyone heads outdoors to take part in the water-splashing ritual, almost like a cleansing ceremony. The white powder on faces symbolizes "good luck." (Photo / Provided by Hank)