The Thai Songkran festival, observed from April 13 to 15, marks not only the Thai New Year but also a cherished occasion for honoring elders. On April 19, 2025, Tzu Chi volunteers collaborated with residents of Hansa Village in Bangkok to host an activity to express gratitude and respect to the elderly. Approximately one hundred community elders, residents, local officials, and Tzu Chi volunteers gathered to share a heartwarming and meaningful Songkran celebration dedicated to showing reverence for the elderly.
Fostering Culture and Compassion
The event saw enthusiastic participation from community members and local officials alike. Bangkok City Council Member Nawarat Yubamrung praised the community's efforts and Tzu Chi's dedication, noting that such activities enhance community harmony and deeply embed Thai traditional culture and compassionate values within the local area.
Songkran is very important to Thais because we can pour water on our elders for blessings, and also express our love and gratitude.
—Nawarat Yubamrung
Yuphin, the community leader of Hansa Shangshan Community, also shared her perspective: "Today, we pour water for our elders not only to pass on Thai traditional culture but also to hope that the younger generation will follow our example and continue this tradition in the future."
A Moving Tribute to Elders
Tzu Chi volunteers prepared refreshing purified water and fragrant flower petals, symbolizing purity and blessings. Villagers donned vibrant traditional attire, radiating festive joy. Elders, some holding the hands of younger relatives, others gently assisted, made their way to the event. Volunteers also presented flower garlands, placing them on guests as a sincere welcome. Amidst cheerful music and songs, everyone joined in a lively circle dance, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
The ceremony began with volunteers guiding younger participants to wash the feet of the elders and offer them tea, acts that convey deep gratitude and respect. This moment profoundly touched everyone present, with many embracing tightly, their eyes filled with emotion.
Boonsri, a mother, expressed her feelings with tears: "I truly love my child. He takes such meticulous care of me, always silently giving for my health and daily life."
Being able to wash the feet of elders, kneel, and prostrate today is an incredibly auspicious act for me. Through this ceremony, the younger generation can ask for blessings and apologize to their elders, washing away inner guilt, and striving to be better people in the future.
— Somkiat (Boonsri’s son)
LEFT: Volunteers guide younger generations in offering tea to elders, expressing gratitude and respect. RIGHT: Bangkok City Council Member Nawarat Yubamrung (holding microphone) participated in the "Respect the Elderly" activity with his family, commending how such events foster community harmony and deepen Thai traditional culture and compassion locally. | Photos: Pin-Ti Su
Spreading Love and Blessings
Following the foot-washing ceremony, volunteers invited all younger community members to respectfully pour water over the elders' hands, extending their gratitude and blessings. The elders, beaming with smiles, reciprocated with heartfelt blessings for the younger generation.
LEFT: Younger participants lovingly assist elders as they joyfully enter the venue for the event." RIGHT: Tzu Chi volunteers respectfully carry basins of water and tea trays, approaching the elders. | Photos: Pin-Ti Su
Chananphorn attended the event with her mother, Champi. Due to mobility issues, Champi rarely leaves her home. This rare outing allowed her to reconnect with many familiar faces and younger relatives, and she received warm blessings from everyone. Despite her hearing impairment, she felt the profound sincerity of the attendees, maintaining a joyful smile and continuously responding with blessings.
"I am very happy today," Champi said cheerfully. Seeing her mother's delight, Chananphorn felt immense comfort, as mother and daughter shared an unforgettable and beautiful time together.
Tzu Chi volunteer Leelawan shared the original intention behind organizing the event: "We care for the elderly and also teach children, hoping they learn to express their inner gratitude. In this vast society, having a grateful heart is the most important thing."
The refreshing spirit of Songkran blended with the warmth of honoring elders, culminating in a moving ceremony that filled Hansa Village with happiness and a gentle glow of warmth.
LEFT: Volunteers guide younger generations in washing the feet of their elders, expressing gratitude and respect. RIGHT: Volunteers respectfully pour clean water over the elders’ hands as a gesture of blessing and respect, praying for their physical and mental well-being. | Photos: Pin-Ti Su
Written by Rui-Lian Sang (桑瑞蓮)
Source: 潑水敬老兩相宜 泰國志工傳遞愛與祝福
