Assembly Resolution No. 443

BY: M. of A. Raga

COMMEMORATING the Asian American community's
celebration of Songkran on April 13-15, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor, with
pleasure and great pride, the Asian American community of the State of
New York upon the occasion of the celebration of Songkran; and

WHEREAS, Songkran is Thailand's most famous festival; an important
event on the Buddhist calendar, this water festival marks the beginning
of the traditional Thai New Year; and

WHEREAS, The name Songkran comes from a Sanskrit word meaning
'passing' or 'approaching'; Buddha images are bathed, and younger Thais
show respect to monks and elders by sprinkling water over their hands as
it is believed the water of Songkran will wash the bad luck and bring
good fortune for them and their families; and

WHEREAS, Songkran Festival takes place in April every year, during
which time crowds of people roam around throwing buckets of water,
soaking anyone in the vicinity; appreciation of family is another
important aspect of the festival, with many Thai people making their way
to their hometowns to spend time with older relatives; and

WHEREAS, April 13th, the first day of the new year, is known as Song
Nam Phra (Pouring Water on Monks) Day; traditionally, Thais perform the
Rod Nam Dum Hua ritual on the first day of Songkran, the National
Elderly Day; during this ritual, young people pour fragrant water into
their elders' palms as a gesture of humility and to ask for their
blessings; and

WHEREAS, April 14th, known as Wan Nao, celebrates the old Thai New
Year's Eve; this is also National Family Day when everyone is encouraged
to spend quality time with their families; the New Year officially
begins on April 15th, also known as Wan Payawan (Bathing Buddha) Day; on
this day, there are parties and celebrations everywhere, with ongoing
water fights, concerts, street food, and family gathering; and

WHEREAS, Songkran was originally Thailand's New Year's Day and
signified the start of the Thai calendar; between 1888 and 1940,
Songkran and New Year's Day in Thailand was celebrated on April 1st, but
was later changed to April 13-15th, when January 1st became synchronized
across the world as New Year's Day; and

WHEREAS, In addition to Thailand, Songkran is celebrated in Laos,
Cambodia, Burma, the Tai ethnic minority of Vietnam, and in China's
Yunnan province, as well as in Sri Lanka and other eastern Indian
countries; and

WHEREAS, There are many traditional activities held during Songkran
Festival, including the famous water splashing, cleaning houses and
Buddha statues, merit-making in temples, as well as exciting street and
beach Songkran parties; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, during Songkran Festival Thai people go to
temples and offer food and clothing to the monks and listen to their
Buddhist preaching; they also release birds and fish back to their
natural habitats; this practice of giving freedom to living creatures is
part of their Buddhist belief that releasing animals to freedom returns
good fortune; and

WHEREAS, Folk performances and games are organized for enjoyment
during Songkran; there are Thai beauty pageant competitions displaying
traditional Thai dress, as well as street parades; sand is also brought
to temple grounds and can be used to build sand pagodas or repair
temples; helping monks with temple maintenance is regarded as good
practice during Songkran Festival; and

WHEREAS, The distinguished beauty of the Asian culture and the
contribution of its people in business and the economy as well as in the
arts and sciences has left substantial impacts on our global community;
the contributions of Asian Americans are particularly esteemed within
this great Empire State and are acknowledged for their outstanding merit
and value; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing the significance of their contributions to the
City and the State of New York, this Legislative Body is proud to honor
all New Yorkers of Asian ancestry, joining with them in their
celebration of Songkran; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Asian American community's celebration of Songkran on
April 13-15, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to distinguished members of the Asian American community.