Happy Songkran to everyone in the Thai Community.
I was delighted to be invited by the Dhammapadipa Temple to celebrate the Songkran Festival. Songkran is Thailand's most famous festival and an important event on the Buddhist calendar. The water festival marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year. The name Songkran comes from a Sanskrit word meaning 'passing' or 'approaching'.
I was happy to wish the Thai Community Happy Songkran and acknowledge the Temple’s wonderful support for the Thai community in Edinburgh. Abbot Prasert Prommala gave blessings to the attendees, thanks to everyone’s support to temple and his gratitude to the Thai and Scottish people throughout Scotland who have welcomed the thousands of Thai people who visit, study, work and those who settle here.
The food was made by many of the Thai community chefs that work in restaurants throughout Edinburgh and was wonderful. I enjoyed the vibrant displays of Thai dancing and a showcase of Muay Thai boxing.