If you go out on the street, you’re going to get wet. The splashes come from every direction while the smiles come from deep inside. The Songkran water festival is a celebration of the Thai New Year, and this year marks 2551 in the Buddhist calendar. Thailand is bathed with scorching tropical sun and heat in the middle of the dry season. Everyone understands that the rains will return eventually, so until then, water buckets and cupped hands suffice for monsoon thunder and rain. Tradition was a calm, respectful pouring of water on the shoulder, smearing of clay on the cheeks, smiles, bows, and thanks.

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