On April 11, 2024, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon held its Songkran festival event titled “Songkran Joyful Celebration: Carrying Food Offerings to the Monks” as part of its annual tradition and important events. The event, led by Dr. Natworapol Rachsiriwatcharabul, President of the university, was attended by former presidents, former administrators, retired faculty, the university’s senior alumni association members, as well as current administrators, faculty, and staff.
The ceremony featured nine monks from Wat Nornath Suntrikaram performing Buddhist rites, including the chanting of prayers, offering of Thai alms, and the recitation of the Matika Bangsukul Chanting. Participants also contributed food offerings in traditional tiffin carriers. The event took place at D-Hall Auditorium and the activity area at the Thewet Campus.
Additionally, the university’s senior alumni association held its annual general meeting at the Rapheephat meeting room, at the Office of the President, Thewet campus.
The event began with the official opening of the 2024 “Songkran Joyful Celebration: Carrying Food Offerings to the Monks” by Asst. Prof. Dr. Kasidech Sutthivanich, Vice President for Administrative and University Council Affairs. who presided over the ceremony. The event included the traditional water-pouring ritual for Buddha images, statues of Prince Ratchaburi Direkrit, and Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, Prince of Chumphon. This was followed by the water-pouring ceremony for elders as part of the Songkran celebrations to ask for blessings.
Additionally, the event featured a traditional Thai music performance by the “Chalongkwan Sangkita” ensemble, as well as demonstrations and knowledge-sharing on traditional Thai desserts associated with Songkran, such as “Kalamae” (a type of Thai caramel) and “Khao Niew Daeng” (red sticky rice), presented by the Faculty of Home Economics Technology. These activities attracted significant interest from the attendees.
The primary objective of the event was to preserve and promote Thai cultural heritage and continue the Songkran tradition, which marks the Thai New Year. The Songkran festival, celebrated as National Elderly Day, also served as an opportunity to hold the annual general meeting of the senior alumni association, fostering creative engagement with the university, updating on progress, and strengthening the bonds and organizational culture of Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon.
