Honouring Thai Traditions as the Spirit of Songkran Comes to Life at the Ambassador’s Residence
Edited by Anna Popper
On 24 April 2025, the Royal Thai Embassy in Budapest hosted a vibrant Songkran (Thai New Year) celebration at the Ambassador’s Residence.
Derived from the Sanskrit word saṅkrānti, meaning “astrological passage”, Songkran traditionally marks the end of the dry season and the beginning of a new solar year. Once closely tied to agricultural cycles and spiritual customs, it remains one of Thailand’s most cherished festivals, celebrated annually from 13 to 15 April.
Songkran, known internationally as the ‘Water Festival’, is famous for its lively water splashing, which embodies purification and the washing away of misfortune. Water, essential to life, holds profound significance in many cultures, symbolizing purity, vitality, and renewal. In the context of Songkran, it represents blessings and the cleansing of the old to make room for the new, a deeply meaningful practice in Thai culture. Beneath its playful exterior, however, lies a tradition rich in meaning – one of renewal, reflection, and reverence.
The event, held at the premises of the Thai Residence, was attended by members of the diplomatic corps and the Diplomatic Spouses of Budapest (DSB), as well as representatives of the Hungarian government, executives from the private sector and the local media.
The celebration commenced with the opening remarks by H.E. Phrommes Bhaholpolbhayuhasena, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Hungary:
“Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests, and Dear Friends,
It is a great pleasure to welcome you to our special celebration of Songkran – the Thai New Year. Songkran is one of Thailand’s most treasured festivals. Also known as the Water Festival, it marks a time of renewal, reflection, and appreciation – a moment to look back with gratitude and move forward with hope.
In 2023, the cultural richness of this celebration was recognized worldwide when UNESCO inscribed ‘Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival’ on its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Beyond the festive water splashing, Songkran has profound cultural and spiritual meaning. One of the most sacred rituals is Song Nam Phra – the gentle pouring of scented water over a Buddha statue, symbolizing purification and blessing.
Another beloved tradition you’ll experience today is Roi Malai – the art of garland making. These fragrant flower garlands, offered to elders and sacred figures, express respect, devotion, and gratitude.
Today’s event is not only a celebration but also a chance to connect with the heart of Thai culture through rituals, craftsmanship, and community spirit.
We sincerely thank our organizers, partners, colleagues, and all of you for joining us in honouring this beautiful tradition.”
Mrs. Vanida Bhaholpolbhayuhasena, Spouse of the Ambassador and newly elected President of the Diplomatic Spouses of Budapest (DSB), who assumed her role in January 2025, warmly welcomed the attendees.
In her remarks, she extended cordial greetings to the distinguished international guests and emphasized the cultural significance of Songkran, highlighting the rich traditions and customs observed during this cherished festival, which the Thai people are deeply committed to preserving.
The event featured a range of cultural and handicraft activities led by the Burapha Group, a Thai performance troupe composed of young artists from the cultural network of Burapha University in Chonburi Province. Currently on a European tour to promote Thai arts and culture, including in Hungary, the group captivated the audience, who enjoyed participating in the festivities such as:
Roi Malai workshop, where guests crafted traditional flower garlands.
Malai Pha Khao Ma, a unique garland-making technique that uses colourful Thai chequered cloth instead of flowers.
Scented Flower Soap Sculpting, a delicate and intricate traditional Thai art form.
Guests were also treated to spectacular traditional Thai dance performances, accompanied with Thai music that embodied the vibe of the festival and showcased the richness of Thai cultural heritage.
A wide selection of fine Thai culinary specialties was served throughout the event, allowing attendees to experience the diverse and flavourful tastes of Thailand.
The celebration, expertly organized by the Embassy, beautifully encapsulated the essence of Songkran – a lively fusion of spiritual reverence, cultural pride, and communal harmony – offering the diplomatic community and friends of Thailand an authentic and warmly hospitable experience of this cherished tradition, marked by the characteristic grace and generosity of Thai culture and the spirit of Amazing Thailand, full of unique moments.
Source: Royal Embassy of Thailand in Budapest
Photos by the Royal Embassy of Thailand in Budapest, and DPA
