Esara is proudly rooted in Thai culture, enriched by global perspectives, and guided by opportunities to connect in community with one another. Because of this, we have structured our academic calendar to give students/families a break from school from March 19-April 19th for the smoke season, and also, to celebrate the Songkran holiday. We are excited to offer a Songkran Celebration once students return to school, in order to reengage the school community and learn together about this important day in Lanna culture.
‘Songkran’ is the Thai New Year, celebrated annually from April 13 to 15, marking a period of renewal, temple visits, and honoring elders. It is famously known for massive, nationwide water fights that symbolize washing away the previous year’s misfortune and purification to start fresh.
The Esara International School Songkran Celebration will be held on Friday, April 24th, led by Esara teachers and staff to ensure a safe, fun environment for our students. The full day celebration begins with a traditional Rodnamdumhua Ceremony. The Rod Nam Dum Hua ceremony (รดน้ำดำหัว) is a traditional Thai water-blessing ritual, known as a profound act of showing respect, gratitude, and humility toward parents, elders, and respected figures. “Rod” means to pour, “Nam” means water, and “Dum Hua” refers to washing. As such, a key aspect of this ceremony includes a ritual where young people pour scented water (often mixed with flowers) over the palms of elders or respected adults. In doing this, they pay respect and ask for blessings for the new year. The significance of this act is in its family-oriented nature, which strengthens relationships in our community, and encourages young people to seek wisdom and guidance that is steeped in lanna culture and intergenerational connections.
After engaging in the Rodnamdumhua Ceremony, children will enjoy various stations that include Thai traditional games, dances, and other cultural activities. Lastly, the day long holiday celebration will include an afternoon of water play and fun opportunities to enjoy the sunshine and celebrate together.
Songkran is recognized globally as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and is a shared Buddhist tradition in areas of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and the Thai minority in Vietnam and Yunnan Province of China. It is also celebrated in Sri Lanka and countries in the east of India. Songkran traditions in each country have different names. This meaningful holiday connects across country lines, and is a wonderful unifying way of coming together with distinctive cultural traditions and global perspectives.
‘Songkran’ is the Thai New Year, celebrated annually from April 13 to 15, marking a period of renewal, temple visits, and honoring elders. It is famously known for massive, nationwide water fights that symbolize washing away the previous year’s misfortune and purification to start fresh.
The Esara International School Songkran Celebration will be held on Friday, April 24th, led by Esara teachers and staff to ensure a safe, fun environment for our students. The full day celebration begins with a traditional Rodnamdumhua Ceremony. The Rod Nam Dum Hua ceremony (รดน้ำดำหัว) is a traditional Thai water-blessing ritual, known as a profound act of showing respect, gratitude, and humility toward parents, elders, and respected figures. “Rod” means to pour, “Nam” means water, and “Dum Hua” refers to washing. As such, a key aspect of this ceremony includes a ritual where young people pour scented water (often mixed with flowers) over the palms of elders or respected adults. In doing this, they pay respect and ask for blessings for the new year. The significance of this act is in its family-oriented nature, which strengthens relationships in our community, and encourages young people to seek wisdom and guidance that is steeped in lanna culture and intergenerational connections.
After engaging in the Rodnamdumhua Ceremony, children will enjoy various stations that include Thai traditional games, dances, and other cultural activities. Lastly, the day long holiday celebration will include an afternoon of water play and fun opportunities to enjoy the sunshine and celebrate together.
Songkran is recognized globally as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and is a shared Buddhist tradition in areas of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and the Thai minority in Vietnam and Yunnan Province of China. It is also celebrated in Sri Lanka and countries in the east of India. Songkran traditions in each country have different names. This meaningful holiday connects across country lines, and is a wonderful unifying way of coming together with distinctive cultural traditions and global perspectives.
