Water Splashing, and Songkran Festival
at Wat Florida Dhammaram

 By Michael Weis
 Photo by Michael Weis

April 19, 2009

The Songkran Festival is the New Year’s celebration observed in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and other Asian countries. This 3 day event is
observed around April 13-15 and falls in the hottest time of the year. This celebration is also known as “Water Splashing Festival,” because water is
a vital part to the merriment. In Thailand people use water guns, hoses and anything else to soak others. This is symbolic of cleansing and renewal
and great fun with a much needed cool down from the heat.

The third day of Songkran is called Wan Payawan and is the official beginning of the New Year. On this day people gather at a Wat or Buddhist
monastery where the monk’s hands are sprinkled with water mixed with fragrant fl owers as well as the new generation pouring water on the
previous generations hands as a sign of respect. Both the monk’s and adults then give them a blessing. Prayer for a good life and the water and
fragrance mixture is poured on statues of Buddha. In addition, there is food, singing and dancing as people celebrate their New Year.

Visit www.watfl orida.org, Wat Florida Dhammaram Theravada Buddhist Temple’s official website for more upcoming activities.

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