Years ago we were in Thailand and had the chance to experience Songkran on the streets of Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

Songkran is the celebration of the Thai New Year in April. And what once began as a simple pour of water on the palm, shoulder or head (as a blessing) has turned into a full-on water fight.

Our first introduction to the holiday

was in Chiang Mai.

We were taking a morning stroll near the lake and spotted a parked car with an open back window.

Somehow, at the exact moment we passed the car's rear bumper, a child (who was hiding in the back seat) revealed himself with a grin and a water gun in hand.

The kneeling child took aim through his open window, pressed the plastic trigger of his trusty toy... and sprayed us right in the face.

We didn't know anything about Songkran, or that it was the first day of the holiday.

We were stunned.

We felt the sting of water, but couldn't help but laugh.

By the next night we were no longer newbies.

We roamed around Bangkok being sprayed with water and showered with white limestone powder (which some participants also like to throw).

In one instance, we found ourselves in a crowded club-filled alley. A non-stop flow of water was being sprayed from all sides. Linkin Park's "Numb" was blaring from a speaker.

And we felt joyous.

Blinded by water, covered in powder, we were drenched in the moment, wishing all our friends and loved ones were there to join in on the fun.

Here's a short video (from YouTuber "Get Lost with Johnny") to give you a sprinkling of what you're missing.

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Image by our-team on Freepik