Formerly one sprinkled or spilled a bit of scented water over the hands or shoulders of elders and friends to ask them forgiveness for coarse or wicked speaking. But in modern times these traditions, which still are held in family celebrations, are hidden behind water battles fought out for days in the streets of every town and city over the country. Water is thrown off buckets, pipes, and guns from early in the morning until sunset. Everyone gets wet, at the stronghold Chiang Mai even a few days earlier than the official date.