Thai holi... not quite!

Bangkok: Locals and tourists took to the streets of Bangkok on Wednesday, armed with buckets, water guns and plenty of enthusiasm, to mark the start of the Buddhist New Year. If you are from India, you might confuse it for holi.

Over three days of holidays, Thais across the country will soak each other with water and high spirits.

The Songkran tradition started with youngsters pouring water over their elders as a sign of respect.

But over the years, the three-day festival has become a no holds barred party, with dousing in the afternoon and music and merriment in the evenings.

Silom Road, the main artery of the central Business District in Bangkok, was blocked off on Wednesday by revellers who were equipped with either plastic supersoakers or buckets of water.

Tourists flocked to the area as well to get in on the fun - and to cool off during the hottest time of the year.

Splashing water at other revellers traditionally serves as a symbol of cleansing and washing away the sins of the old year.

Songkran is also a time for people to show their respect for their elders and for monks, so many of the revellers start the festival celebration by visiting temples.