Bill > K00316

This resolution commemorates the Asian American community's celebration of Songkran, a traditional Thai New Year festival held annually from April 13-15, which marks the beginning of the traditional Thai calendar. The resolution provides extensive background on Songkran, explaining that it is a water festival originating in Thailand and celebrated in several Southeast Asian countries, where people engage in water splashing, family gatherings, temple visits, and cultural traditions. Key cultural practices include pouring water on Buddhist monks, showing respect to elders, performing rituals like Rod Nam Dum Hua (where younger people ask for blessings by pouring fragrant water on elders' hands), and participating in various celebratory activities such as street parades, beauty pageants, and releasing birds and fish back to their natural habitats. The resolution acknowledges the significant contributions of Asian Americans to New York's business, economy, arts, and sciences, and officially recognizes the Songkran celebration, expressing pride in honoring New Yorkers of Asian ancestry. The document resolves to commemorate the Songkran festival and transmit copies of the resolution to distinguished members of the Asian American community.

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/K316