Songkran--Chiang Mai

 Songkran (Sanskrit for "astrological passage") is the Thai New Years water festival marking the sun's return to the zodiac sign Aries, an event widely celebrated throughout SE Asia. Celebrations traditionally take place April 13-15th, but in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand's largest city and epicenter for the event, festivities rage on for a full week. Water is believed to cleanse the old and bring good luck in the new year, so during the days of the festival everyone takes to the streets to exchange aquatic blessings. Calling the scene a 'water fight' doesn't accurately capture the non-malicious Thai nature with which the liquid is exchanged--a good soaking is met with a smile, thank you and a reciprocation of the favor. My parents and I were in town for the first four days of the event, a unique and hugely enjoyable experience.               

 Getting an early start

Day 2

 Gridlock

There are stages set up all over town, music bumping. 

A square mote surrounds the central Old City...

...the entirety of which is lined.   

Painted and Pumped

As Americans we were of course inclined to the big guns.

Buckets of ice water is the Thai preferred approach. 

Refill for the price of mob soaking 

Parades of Buddhist shrines also receive liquid blessings. 

Kids with guns

Sniper on the balcony