Children at the Fountain of Life Center got a jump on Songkran festivities with a traditional Thai New Year celebration with the elderly, and with the support of Jesters Care for Kids.
Lewis Underwood and Erle Kershaw from Jesters brought food, snacks and beverages to the April 7 event where 75 children participated in the “rod nam dam hua” ceremony, pouring scented water into the palms of elders and receiving blessings.
Lewis Underwood and Erle Kershaw from Jesters Care for Kids pour fragrant water on the Buddha statue as part of the bathing the Buddha image ritual during the Fountain of Life’s Songkran celebration.Benefactors pour fragrant water on the Buddha statue as part of the bathing the Buddha image for Songkran at the Fountain of Life Pattaya.
The event is held on the government decried National Elderly Day, which recognizes the importance of the elders in society as a valuable human resource. Their motto: “Although their physical condition is weak, they can help family and society.”
The traditional ceremony is held annually to reinforce the importance of the elderly in the minds of the young kids.
Underwood said Jesters has been helping children in Thailand for 20 years and was pleased to be a part of the celebration.
A young man politely pours water on the hands of an elder and receives a blessing in return.Young children concentrate hard to make sure they perform the ceremony correctly, much to the delight of their benefactors.Sometimes you need a little help from your friends.There is little in this world that kids love more than delicious ice cream, this time brought to the party by the benevolent bikers from Jesters Care for Kids.Chai Yo! The group poses for a group photo to commemorate Songkran 2017.A respected elder begins the procession to bring out the Buddha statue to a more convenient place for everyone to take part in bathing the Buddha image.A little game of musical chairs keeps the party going.Youngsters take delight in the foolishly fun antics of the adults.The Buddha image is placed in its revered spot in time to begin the bathing ritual.Songkran wouldn’t be Songkran without a Ramwong line.Woody is no rookie when it comes to musical chairs, as he can be seen here keeping a keen eye on a vacant chair, ready to pounce when the music stops.The next generation are good learners and someday, far in the future, will take their place among the elders.
