YANGON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar police force warned drivers on Wednesday of strictly abiding by traffic rules in driving during the upcoming traditional water festival due to begin on April 13.

In order to prevent casualties and loss of the people due to accidents during the festival, drivers are urged not to drive if drunk, not to race for joy, not to drive at high speed and not to drive with side doors, rear bonnets and number plates taken out.

The police force cited the casualties in its press release Wednesday as warning that there occurred 350 accidental cases during the water festival in 2018, in which 133 people died with 690 being injured.

Most of the cases were registered with Mandalay, Sagaing, Magway and Bago regions during that year.

Among Myanmar's 12 seasonal festivals throughout the year, the Thingyan water festival represents the grandest which is believed to bring peace and prosperity to everyone.

Myanmar people throw and douse water onto one another to wash sins and to make clear the moral impurities from old year, according to their belief.

This year's Thingyan festival will be celebrated for four days until April 16, after which April 17 will usher in Myanmar new year with people turning over a new leaf, leaving misfortunes in the old year and starting new from the new year day.

During the festival, roads and streets will be crowded with people dancing to music and dousing each other with water.

Meanwhile, the police force vowed to step up security measures during the event to ensure safety for the people taking part in the festive activities.

The country's traditional Thingyan water festival, which is for all ages, also represents a unique and entertaining event.