The Thai New Year, called Songkram, is traditionally celebrated between April 13th and April 15th. At the Buddhist Meditation Center (Wat Prodketchettharam America) on Grand Island, New York, Songkram was celebrated on April 26th. It is a festival that features almsgiving, a water blessing for elders, a shared meal, dancing, and much more. I was able to visit the meditation center for part of the event, and I found it to be very joyful. People who were strangers became friends. The entire area owned by the meditation center was colorful and bright. Being there was pure joy.
Here are some of the photographs that I took.
The entire event was held outdoors on a radiant, though not especially warm, late April day. The place that the Buddhist meditation center occupies was formerly a horseback riding facility, called Spark’s. So, if you talk to longtime Grand Island residents about the Buddhist meditation center, you generally just tell them that it’s located at the former home of Spark’s.
The decorations were very colorful and bright. It was truly an opportunity to be in the moment and to let go of stresses and anxieties.
After the procession, there was a large group dance. Nearly everyone danced in a large circle. I watched and took a few pictures until I was brought into the dance. The monks sat as a group and watched the dance. They looked very contented.
Then it was time for various dance groups to perform. There were dances from both Thailand and Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). The dancers were attired in beautiful outfits, and their dances were spectacular to watch.
The Songkran Festival was a wonderful event, and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to experience this. Grand Island’s Buddhist Meditation Center truly felt like an oasis of joy and celebration.
Where have you found joy lately?
