Songkran is upon us once again and before Pattaya turns into one huge water fight on the 19^th of April a more traditional ceremony takes place throughout the Kingdom. This ancient ceremony involves the pouring of water over a statue of Buddha and also over the hands of elders. Up at the Fr. Ray Children’s Home the residents and staff, as well as those who live and work at the Fr. Ray Children’s Village and the Fr. Ray Drop-In Center, gathered on the 13^th of April to perform this yearly ritual. The day started with Khun Suppachai, Director of the Children’s Home, pouring scented and flowered water over the statue of Buddha. Over two hundred toddlers, children, teenagers and workers then followed, each pouring the water over the small statue and with eyes closed they performed a wai and asked for a blessing and good luck for the future.

Then it was time to move indoors where the senior staff members were asked to sit behind a small table whilst the children poured water over their hands, and in return the children were sprinkled with a few drops onto their heads and shoulders. Each child hoping that this coming year will be better than the last, and each elder hoping their wishes come true.

Songkran would not be the same if the traditional ceremonies were not followed by the usual water fight that most people associate with this festival, and the younger children all waited patiently to fill their water pistols whilst the teenagers grabbed buckets full of water to make sure everyone got a good soaking.