Seacon celebrates Songkran

Everyone is invited to place golden leaves on the back of Buddha statues during “Songkran At Blessings Ground: Unconditional Giving”, which is running from tomorrow to Monday at Seacon Square on Srinakarin Road, and from Thursday to April 23 at Seacon Bangkae on Phetkasem Road.

This is a rare chance to pay respect to two large-sized Buddha statues by placing golden leaves on their backs. A replica of the Luang Phor Sothon statue measuring 1.5m in width and 1.8m in height will be enshrined at Seacon Bangkae, while the reproduced Luang Phor Toh statue measuring 1.8m in width and 2m in height will be housed at Seacon Square.

They are on loan from Wat Thoong Setthi and Wat Thep Naree in Bangkok, respectively, for this activity, which aims to encourage Buddhists to do good deeds without expecting anything in return, as inspired by the late King Bhumibol’s royal speech given 54 years ago. He said: “It may be unavoidable when it comes to placing a golden leaf on the back of Buddha statue as many people do not like to do so because they believe that no one will see it. However, if everyone places golden leaves only in the front of the statue and no one does behind it, the Buddha statue will never achieve immaculate beauty.”

At both shopping centres, visitors are invited to pour water onto a Buddha statue placed in a large alms bowl, offer rice into 108 alms bowls and offer coins to Buddha statues. There will be Thai cultural performances and sales of handicrafts, and a variety of savoury dishes.

Call 02-721-8888.