A Buddha-centric Songkran in Paradise Park
Paradise Park has begun Songkran celebrations with sacred activities at the Buddha Bhucha Maha Songkran festival, running until April 16.
Replicas of nine nationally-revered Buddha statues are being housed at the shopping centre for everyone to sprinkle water on and ask for blessings. They are the Emerald Buddha, Phra Buddha Chinnarat, Phra Buddha Sihing, Luang Phor Buddha Sothorn, Luang Phor Wat Rai Khing, Luang Phor Wat Baan Laem, Luang Phor Toh Wat Bang Plee, Luang Phor Wat Rai Khao Tra Krao and Luang Phor Ngern Lai Ma Te Mah from Wat Thasung.
This is also an opportunity to pay respect to the largest replicas of nine late monks believed to have been enlightened. They include Luang Pu Thuad, Somdej Toh Promrangsi, Luang Pu Mun, Luang Pu Pan, Luang Phor Ngern, Luang Pu Sook, Luang Phor Sod, Luang Pu Chop and Luang Pu Tim. Their real-life sculptures are made from fibreglass and measure 3m in height and width.
Besides the replicas of the Naga Lord Sisotho from Kham Chanot forest in Udon Thani and Thep Than Jai deity (Bobo Gyi) of Myanmar, the festival features replicas of 12 relic pagodas to represent the 12 zodiac signs.
The opening ceremony will take place tomorrow at 2pm and include a ceremony where a portion of a Buddha relic provided by the late Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara will be put on a high foundation to make it the centre of auspiciousness.
A variety of traditional and delicious Thai cuisine is available, accompanied by recreational and entertainment activities, including a daily traditional Thai dance performance, a concert by Suntaraporn Music Band on Thursday at 1pm and a child beauty pageant on Friday at 3pm.