THAI NEW YEAR (SONGKRAN) CELEBRATION SUNDAY 14th APRIL 2024
The Buddhapadipa Temple and the Young Buddhist Group of the UK will celebrate Thai New Year (Songkrant) on Sunday 14th April 2024. This is an annual celebration. The religious ceremony will be performed throughout the day. To make the day much more enjoyable there will be 25 Thai food, Thai groceries, and souvenirs stall holders on sale all day. There will also be the Thai Cultural Shows and Miss Songkran Contests (junior and adult classes).
PROGRAMME
09.30am People gathering in the Main Temple
10.00am Thai Ambassador lights candles and incense-sticks
Paying homage to the Triple Gem, taking Five Precepts
Dhamma talk by the senior Incumbent
10.30 am Chanting “JAYAMANGALA GATHA” by venerable monks
10.45 am Alms-giving ceremony (non-perishable food)
11.00 am Offering lunch to the venerable monks
11.30 am Thai musical Instrument by Thai Music Cycle in the UK (Main Stage)
12.30 pm Official Opening Ceremony by Thai Embassador and Mayor of Merton (Main Stage)
12.45-16.30 pm Cultural Performances, Miss Songkran Costume Contest for junior and adult Classes (Main Stage)
01.00 pm Buddha Image Bathing Ceremony (Bell Tower Ground)
01.30 pm Memorial services for the departed friends and relatives (monks’ marquee)
05.00 pm Close
All are cordially welcome. Please bring your friends along. If you are unable to come but willing to support the temple, please make a cheque payable to the Buddhapadipa Temple and send your cheque to the Temple at the above address. Alternatively, if you wish to make donation by BACS, please find our bank details on the bottom. Thank you so much for your kind support and generous donation. All proceeds go to the Temple’s Fund.