24 April 2006

UC JOINS COMMUNITY IN THAI CULTURE CELEBRATION

University of Canberra Thai students will share their culture with the campus community next week as they celebrate Songkran, an annual water festival to mark the lunar Thai New Year.

The celebration, on Thursday April 27, will begin at 11.30am with   'blessing the monks'. 'Elders' from the University, the Thai Embassy and the Canberra multicultural community will take part in the traditional ritual by having their hands symbolically washed by students.

Students, staff and the wider community are invited to take part in the celebrations that include a colourful parade and traditional drum dance, Thai food tastings and the crowning of Miss Songkran ACT. Traditional Thai national costumes have been donated by local Thai restaurants for the pageant and the students will be interviewed on aspects of Thai society.

Leonie-Ruth Acland, co-ordinator of the Harmony Program said, "this is an opportunity for Thai students to express themselves and to share their culture with the Australian community."

'Songkran' is organised by the University of Canberra Harmony Program with the support of Thai Students Association of the ACT, the Canberra Thai Community, Thai Cultural Association, the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum and the Royal Thai Embassy.  

Harmony events at the university were launched this year at Harmony Week to promote understanding of Australia's cultural diversity and our community's success as a multi-cultural society.

What: Songkran:   Thai Culture Celebration
When: Thursday 27 th April, 11:30am
Where: Refectory, Building One, University of Canberra

UC Communications

Gaye Morrison
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M: 0409 470 755

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T: 02 6201 2681

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Last Updated on August 1, 2005