Posted by
Vida Ragbir
Songkran Blessing Ceremony at Rosa’s Thai Guildford
Today, I had the pleasure of attending a Songkran Blessing Ceremony at Rosa’s Thai Guildford, celebrating the Thai New Year.
Songkran, which takes place in April, is a time of renewal, respect, and new beginnings. It’s when people return to their families, make merit, and wish for good fortune in the year ahead.
From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with beautiful flower garlands, which was a really lovely touch. The ceremony was led by five Buddhist monks, who began with chanting and blessing holy water. It created a calm and meaningful atmosphere throughout.
Guests were invited to take part by offering gifts to the monks and receiving blessings in return. Each of us was given a Sai Sin — a sacred blessed string that represents protection, good luck, and health.
After the ceremony, we offered plates of food, prepared by the Rosa’s Thai team, to the monks. We were also invited to take part in a traditional water blessing for the staff, gently pouring water over their hands three times and receiving a blessing in return. Water plays an important role in Songkran, symbolising cleansing, washing away the past year, and starting fresh.
I really enjoyed both the ceremony and the food. It was my first time experiencing a traditional Thai blessing, and it felt very special to be part of something so meaningful and authentic.
The food at Rosa’s Thai was, as always, full of flavour, fresh, and beautifully prepared. They consistently bring new dishes while staying true to authentic Thai cooking, which is why they remain a favourite for so many people locally.
What stood out most is how they go beyond just serving food — they create experiences like this that bring people together and share Thai culture in a genuine way.
If you’re looking for relaxed dining and authentic Thai food, Rosa’s Thai Guildford is definitely worth a visit.