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temples · Wat Thai Buddharam Brisbane

Songkran: Thai New Year in Australia

How Thai communities and Buddhist temples celebrate Songkran in Australia.

Songkran brings New Year blessings, family gatherings and Thai community culture together in the middle of April.

Water being poured over a Buddha image for Songkran
Photo: Theerawat Sangprakarn, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Water as a blessing

At temples, scented water is poured gently over Buddha images and the hands of elders and monks. The act expresses respect, cleansing and good wishes for the year ahead.

A community open day

Australian celebrations commonly combine morning chanting and food offerings with market stalls, music, dance and family activities. Some include a supervised area for playful water splashing, while the shrine area remains calm.

Visiting Songkran

  • Wear modest clothes that can tolerate a little water.
  • Bring cash for volunteer-run food and fundraising stalls.
  • Do not splash monks, elders or anyone outside designated areas.
  • Follow the same shoe and shrine-hall etiquette as on an ordinary visit.

Part of the temple year

Songkran is the joyful public face of the calendar. Vesak in May is more contemplative, while Kathina after the rains retreat centres on supporting the monastic community.