The Songkran Festival, a vibrant celebration of Thai culture and traditions, returns on Sunday, April 14th, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Wat Thai Washington, D.C., located at 13440 Layhill Road.
According to the event website, Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year’s Day. Thais often perform many auspicious ceremonies on this day, which also presents an opportunity to respect and remember parents, relatives, teachers, and others.
The program for the day is as follows:
- 7.00 a.m. – Breakfast served to the monks
- 9.00 a.m. – Pouring of lustral water to honor the Buddha, followed by the opening of food and merchandise stands
- 10.00 a.m. – Religious ceremony
- 10.15 a.m. – Memorial service and a sermon by Abbot Luang Ta Chi
- 10.30 a.m. – Offering of food to the monks
- 11.00 a.m. – Lunch served to the monks
- 11.30 a.m. – Thai New Year Parade commences
- 12.30 p.m. – Pouring of water on the hands of revered elders and seeking their blessings, accompanied by performances of Thai classical dance, music, and a Thai traditional dress showcase by Miss Songkran
- 4.00 p.m. – Food and merchandise stands close
All members and friends of Wat Thai Washington, D.C. are invited. For more information, visit the event website.
Photo: © Beboy – stock.adobe.com