Buddhist New Year celebrations cancelled

Not taking any risks: Bangkok, which typically closes off streets in April for water fights, has called off Songkran activities to reduce the likelihood of an outbreak. — Reuters

South-east Asian countries are cancelling or scaling back traditionally boisterous Buddhist New Year celebrations next month, citing the Covid-19 pandemic as they call off water-soaked street parties and festivals.

The region usually hosts the world’s biggest water fights in mid-April in which revellers splash each other under a scorching sun. Carnivals are held across the region, with pageants and dance parties as well as religious ceremonies.