Songkran is the Thai New Year and it’s celebrated every 13th of April.

About 7500 Thai people are living in Finland, they have their own Buddhist temple in Riihimäki, about 70 km north of Helsinki with resident Thai Monks.
Every year a big event is organised at the school of Jokela, a small town located 50 km north of Helsinki.

The weather was very nice yesterday, a blue and sunny sky and there were lots of people. Not only Thai but also Finnish, Cambodian and Burmese as well as the Thai ambassador.
During a few hours in the morning, the ceremony with the Buddhist Monks took place inside the gymnasium which was full.

Outside, lots of food stalls, I had the feeling of being in Thailand, with Thai food everywhere and women wearing their beautiful traditional clothes.

Inside there was free food and soft drinks for everybody. If you have never been to Thailand it’s a good way to discover their culinary culture.

The atmosphere was very nice and friendly and you don’t need to be Thai, Buddhist or even invited to come. Everybody was welcome.

After the ceremony Monks had their food table and we all could join in the free buffet. And again, there was very good food.

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