Traditionally spring cleaning is a major aspect of Songkran. Part of the ritual is the cleaning of Buddha images, bathing and blessing the elder family members, building sand pagodas, praying and giving food to monks and freeing animals.
Using the ‘blessed’ water from cleaning the images to soak other people is seen as a way of paying respect and bringing good fortune. April is the hottest part of the year in Thailand, so being soaked is a refreshing escape from the heat and humidity.
You may also get covered in chalk or powder smeared on your face. Songkran is celebrated more widely and longer in the Northern part of Thailand.
Today all Y2 and Y4 students had the opportunity to celebrate Thai New Year by bathing nd blessing their class teachers and TAs. After that they made sand castle pagodas in the playground and decorated them with flowers, leaves and rocks.
