Thai Festival in Christchurch New Zealand

In April each year, Christchurch Thai people celebrated the Song Kran Festival, the most important event of the year – signifying the end of one year and the start of another.

Buddhist monks trained in Thailand arrived in New Zealand in the late 1990s. Living a life free of material possession, they are exemplars for their community; they also serve as teachers, counsellors and even business advisers. Members of the community often have monks bless their homes at housewarming parties.

Thai temple, Wat Buddha Samakhee in Christchurch built in 2000, provides a place for buddhism practice and social gatherings.

April in Thailand is hot and humid, and people throw water at one another and onto the ground to show respect for the earth. This tradition is not carried on in New Zealand due to the autumn weather.

An important part of the festival is the krathong floating ceremony, when lotus-shaped vessels containing candles are floated to bring good luck for the coming year.

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Photos: Ellen Yule
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