11 April 2024 – Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) held an annual event of Songkran, celebrating the Thai New Year under the theme “Songkran: Water Festival the Thai Way.” The event featured Song Nam Phra – water pouring over Buddha statues as a way to make merit, Rod Nam Dam Hua – water pouring on elders’ hands to seek blessings, Thai traditional performances, and a cultural workshop.
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University organizes Songkran Festival annually to preserve the nation’s valuable traditions and culture. This year’s event staged Central Thai cultural performances, including: “Ayutthaya Maha Songkran” dance performance by the Office of Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Classical Dance and Drama Program, Phranakhon Rajabhat University, “Thai Children’s Traditional Games” performance by students of Jutiporn Kindergarten, “Ram Kratob Mai” – Thai wooden stick dance performance by Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) staff.
A Thai Cultural Learning workshop on making Thai palm leaf ngop (woven hat) was also part of highlighted activities.
On this occasion, the participants joined in pouring water over the Buddha statue and the replica of King Rama VII, and also poured water to seek blessings from the retired civil servants and distinguished persons of the university. In addition, various units within the university also expressed their goodwill to each other by bringing snacks, drinks, and sweets to set up stalls for the participants to enjoy together.
