Renewing Blessings Through Song Nam Phra

Throughout my stay here in Bangkok during Songkran, I see many Song Nam Phra altars everywhere mostly in hotels, shopping malls, convenient stores and event venues. So I asked a friend, what are Song Nam Phra altars for? Song Nam Phra is a part of Songkran festivities. It symbolizes cleansing of past wrongs and invoking blessings for the new year. The friend told me that traditionally, it was performed by pouring water over monks' hands or feet and now it's adapted to include Buddha statues when monks are unavailable. Water, scented oil, and flower petals, signifying purity and aspirations for success and intelligence. While water flows, it carries away negativity, paving the path for positivity and prosperity. A simple way to perform the Song Nam Phra ritual is: 1. Stand before the Buddha statue. 2. Fold hands and pray. 3. Scoop water with the small cup in the bowl. 4. Pour water over Buddha statue. 5. Return the small cup into the bowl. I also see many locals take off there shoes first before performing the ritual as a sign of respect to the Buddha. Isn't this interesting? My trip to Bangkok is sponsored by Trip.com. Join me in sharing your Songkran experience with hashtag #songkran2024 #thailandtrip #freehotelstay #songnamphra