The most famous aspect of the Songkran celebrations is the throwing of water. Part of the ritual was the cleaning of images of Buddha. Using the 'blessed' water that cleaned the images to soak other people is seen as a way of paying respect and bring good fortune.
The Songkran festival is the traditional Thai New Year's Day and is celebrated from 13 April to 15 April.
Nowadays Thais will walk the streets having 'water fights' using containers of water or water guns, or stand at the side of roads with a hose and soak any one who passes by.