The 2026 Traditional Thai New Year (Songkran) Festival, themed "Thailand - Vietnam: 50 Years of Connection and Companionship," took place at Hall B3 in the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (USSH-VNUHCM) on the morning of April 10. The event was co-organized by the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City, alongside the university's Faculty of Oriental Studies - Japanese Studies, with support from other partner organizations.
Distinguished attendees included Ms. Wiraka Moodhitaporn, Consul General of the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City, and Consul Lalitpat Kerdkrung, along with representatives from various diplomatic missions, businesses, and friendship associations. Representing the USSH-VNUHCM were the Vice President, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Luu Van Quyet, as well as staff members from the Office of Administration and Communications, the Office of Organizational Structure and Legal Affairs, and the Center for Information, Library, and Museum. Also in attendance were representatives from the faculties of European Linguistics and Literature, Oriental Studies - Japanese Studies, and Vietnamese Studies, joining a large crowd of faculty and students passionate about Thai culture.
In his opening remarks, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Luu Van Quyet emphasized the festival's special significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand. "The achievements of our cooperation are reflected not only in educational programs and academic activities, but also in cultural exchange spaces, the growth of successive generations of our students, and the ever-expanding network connecting both sides," he stated.
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Luu Van Quyet notes that when built on mutual trust and respect, educational cooperation becomes one of the most sustainable pillars in bilateral relations - Photo by: Y NGUYEN
Representing the Thai diplomatic mission, Ms. Wiraka Moodhitaporn expressed her hope that the Songkran festival will serve as more than just a platform to promote Thai culture. She envisioned it as a space for learning, exchange, and fostering mutual understanding between Thai and Vietnamese youth, laying the groundwork for a sustainable future friendship.
Ms. Wiraka Moodhitaporn pledges to support and promote strong partnerships with universities and educational institutions in Vietnam in the coming time - Photo by: Y NGUYEN
The event featured sacred traditions deeply rooted in Songkran culture. Visitors engaged in the "Bathing the Buddha" ritual, an act of spiritual cleansing meant to wash away misfortune and usher in peace. They also took part in a “Water-pouring” ceremony (Rod Nam Dam Hua) honoring elders and teachers to express gratitude and respect, and also to receive their blessings.
"Bathing the Buddha" involves pouring clean or scented water over statues to express devotion, spiritually cleanse, and wash away misfortune for a peaceful new year - Photo by: DANG KHOI
"Rod Nam Dam Hua" involves pouring water onto the hands of elders to show respect and receive their blessings for good fortune - Photo by: Y NGUYEN
Beyond the formal ceremonies, the festival offered a vibrant lineup of cultural activities, including traditional craft workshops, food stalls, lucky draws, and Thai folk games. The highly anticipated traditional water fight served as the lively centerpiece, drawing enthusiastic crowds and rounding out the celebration on a high note.
The traditional Thai water splashing signifies purification, washing away the illness, sins, and bad luck of the past year to welcome a fresh start - Photo by: Y NGUYEN
Students in traditional attire showcase the cultural hallmarks of the Thai New Year - Photo by: Y NGUYEN
Student-run food stalls provide an authentic culinary experience for festivalgoers - Photo by: Y NGUYEN
Visitors also have the chance to try their hand at traditional Thai crafts - Photo by: DANG KHOI
Truong Phu Qui, a freshman majoring in Thai Studies (Oriental Studies), noted that the event provided a unique space for cultural exchange, allowing students to broaden their knowledge while reflecting on their own cultural identity. "For those of us studying Thai culture, this is an invaluable chance to experience the daily life, cuisine, traditional dress, and signature customs of the Thai people during their New Year firsthand," Qui shared.
The festival was supported and sponsored by the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City, Chance and Challenge Company Limited (CAC), C.P. Vietnam Corporation, and King's Stella Group Vietnam Company Limited.
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In December 2023, UNESCO officially recognized the Thai Songkran as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. At USSH-VNUHCM, the 2026 Songkran Festival stands not only as a proud annual tradition celebrating this heritage, but also as a vital cultural bridge strengthening the Vietnam-Thailand friendship. |
Y NGUYEN - DANG KHOI
Translated by: My Phung
