Happy 2568!
The sanskrit word “Songkran” refers to the time when the sun moves into the Aries constellation, starting a new zodiac cycle or year. It happens in mid-April, and many Buddhists celebrate with a few days of fun, food, and family.
Already huge in many South East Asian countries, Songkran is becoming increasingly popular in Queens, especially in Little Thailand Way, a stretch of Woodside Avenue between 77th Street and 76th Street that’s full of Thai restaurants, markets, and residents. (Editor’s note: It’s basically the Woodside/Elmhurst border.)
Click here for an entire month of Songkran events in Queens.
The de facto kick off is a traditional celebration at the Wat Buddha Thai Thavorn Vanaram temple at 76-16 46th Ave. on Sunday, April 14. The activities begin at 10 am with offerings to the monks, followed by a communal feast from local Thai cooks with live music and a beauty contest at noon. (Who will be Miss Songkran 2024?) Attendees can expect a sea of saffron-robed monks, wafts of basil, garlic, green curry, and tamarind, and worshippers pouring water on a Buddha statue as part of a cleansing ritual.
The big event is on Saturday, April 20, at around noon when Little Thailand Way comes alive with the sound of music, Thai boxing, dance, and of course, lots of food. Participating restaurants include James Beard Award semifinalist Zaab Zaab, rice-and-curry hotspot Khao Kang, New York Times-recognized boat noodle spot Pata Paplean, Thai-Japanese fusion joint Spicy Shallot, Hug Esan, Ayada, dessert specialist Khao Nom, and casual eatery Tea Cup Cafe.
“I am proud to celebrate Songkran and honor our Thai cultural traditions both for the local community and non-Thai people who love Thai food and culture,” stated Thai Community USA Founder Juttana “Moo” Rimreartwate, who’s known as the mayor of Little Thailand Way. “Each year we do this and it keeps getting better and better.”
Politics Bonus
Thai Community USA and Assemblymember Steven Raga will hold the first-ever Songkran celebration on the Albany State Capitol building’s third floor terrace on April 8 at noon. New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams and Council Member Shekar Krishnan will hold another Songkran celebration at City Hall in Manhattan on April 16 at 5:30 pm.
Image: Zaab Zaab