Bill Text: CA ACR171 | 2023-2024 | Regular Session | Chaptered

California Assembly Concurrent Resolution 171

Bill Title: Songkran New Year Festival.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 59-15)

Status: (Passed) 2024-05-14 - Chaptered by Secretary of State - Res. Chapter 66, Statutes of 2024. [ACR171 Detail]

Download: California-2023-ACR171-Chaptered.html

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 171

CHAPTER 66

Relative to Songkran New Year Festival.

[ Filed with Secretary of State May 14, 2024. ]

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

ACR 171, Low. Songkran New Year Festival.

This measure would join Asian and Pacific Islander communities throughout the state, nation, and world in celebrating April 13, 2024, to April 15, 2024, as the Songkran New Year Festival.

Fiscal Committee: NO

WHEREAS, April 13, 2024, to April 15, 2024, will mark the celebration of Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, which is also celebrated in Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, by the Tai ethnic minority of Vietnam, and in the Yunnan province of China, as well as in Sri Lanka and other southeast Asian countries; and

WHEREAS, Songkran was originally Thailand’s New Year’s Day, signifying the start of the Thai calendar; between 1888 and 1940, Songkran and New Year’s Day in Thailand was celebrated on April 1, but was later changed to April 13 to April 15, when January 1 became synchronized across the world as New Year’s Day; and

WHEREAS, In Thailand, Songkran is one of Thailand’s most celebrated and iconic festivals. It is a time when people reunite with their families and pay their respects to older adults, ancestors, and sacred Buddha images. Pouring water is a ritual act during Songkran, symbolizing cleansing, reverence, and good fortune. Other activities include bathing important Buddha images, splashing water on family and friends, folk plays, games, music, and feasting; and

WHEREAS, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized the value and importance of Songkran as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 6, 2023; and

WHEREAS, The recognition of Songkran reflects California’s commitment to celebrating the rich and diverse culture of our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature joins Asian and Pacific Islander communities throughout the state, nation, and world in celebrating April 13, 2024, to April 15, 2024, as the Songkran New Year Festival; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.