The Council for Thai Culture, Canada and the Thai Dance Troupe of Ottawa present a three day event showcasing various aspects of Thai culture in celebration of the Thai New Year, which coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations between Thailand and Canada. The event is sponsored in part by the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture, Thailand, and the Royal Thai Embassy, Ottawa, and will be broadcasted on April 13th – 15th, at 2 pm Eastern Time.

Highlights include:

Remarks by the Thai Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Mr Kallayana Vipattipumiprates, and the Canadian Ambassador to Thailand, Her Excellency Dr. Sarah Taylor.

On the first day of celebrating, we will present:
• The Bathing of the Buddha’s Statue
• The Respect to Elders Ceremony the Fabulous Three; Nongyao Truadmakkha, Thitipa Kasikam, and Phanita Sakunratthaphat
• Music performance by an Ottawa-based guitarist Varayush Pan Sukontapatipark.

On the second day, we celebrate the relationship between Thailand and Canada by presenting:
• “A Life of Anna Leonowens Beyond The King and I,” by Leslie Smith Dow, an Ottawa-based author and freelance writer
• followed by musical performance by a Montreal-based music producer and drummer Salin Cheewapansri.

And on the third and final day, we focus on health and wellness with:
• A Mindfulness in Thai Dance Talk by Kai Whitcomb and the Buddhist Embassy
• And Traditional Thai Massage Insight by Phattraporn Chaisamak of Patra Thai Massage in Gatineau.

The traditional Thai New Year known as Songkran or the Water Festival falls on April 13-15 of every year. The word “Songkran” means “move” or “change place” as it is the day when the sun changes its position in the zodiac.

It is an occasion for family reunion. The celebration begins with early morning merit making, offering food to Buddhist monks, the bathing of the Buddha’s Statue, and releasing caged birds to freedom. Paying respect to Elders is an important part of the day and is done by pouring scented water over the palms of their hands. The Elders in return wish the youngsters good luck and prosperity. In the afternoon, Celebrants of all ages will joyfully splash water on each other, as people believe that water washes away bad luck.

Happy Songkran Day to you all!
Stay safe, stay healthy and stay home because we’ll bring the Thai New Year Celebration to you!

свернуть