Elephants and people play with water during the celebration of Songkran Water Festival, to commemorate Thailand's New Year in Ayutthaya, Thailand on Wednesday. /VCG Photo

Songkran in Thai means to ‘move’ or ‘change place’. At some point in Thailand’s history, Songkran integrated with the Water Festival, which historically occurs on the day when the sun changes position in the zodiac. /VCG Photo

The most famous aspect of the Songkran celebrations is the throwing of water. The Thai people believe that water is spiritually purifying: it cleanses you of any bad luck or grievances from the past year, and blesses you with fortune and happiness for the year ahead. /VCG Photo