Hundreds gather at Gautier’s Buddhist temple for annual Songkran festival
By Jackson Ranger
Hundreds of people flocked to the Wat Buddhametta Mahabaremee Buddhist Temple in Gautier on Sunday to join in celebrating Songkran, a festival to celebrate Thai New Year.
The event started at 10 a.m. with various Thai dishes on offer, such as yellow chicken curry, pork skewers, pad thai and pork fried rice.
Gautier Mayor Casey Vaughn was present at the event to deliver a proclamation to recognize Songkran. “The city of Gautier is proud to celebrate this rich cultural diversity that strengthens our community and enriches the lives of our citizens,” Vaughn said.
Throughout the afternoon there were various performances, including dancers and Thai water boxing.
See our favorite photos from the event below.
Gautier Mayor Casey Vaughn, middle, and Pisit Opnititanit, left, during Songkran at the Wat Buddhametta Mahabaramee in Gautier on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Pork skewers are made during Songkran at the Wat Buddhametta Mahabaramee in Gautier on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Hundreds of people line up for food during Songkran at the Wat Buddhametta Mahabaramee in Gautier on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
A man dressed as a dragon accepts money as he performs during Songkran at the Wat Buddhametta Mahabaramee in Gautier on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
A man dressed as a dragon accepts money as he performs during Songkran at the Wat Buddhametta Mahabaramee in Gautier on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Sugarcane drinks are served during Songkran at the Wat Buddhametta Mahabaramee in Gautier on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Hundreds of people sit down to eat during Songkran at the Wat Buddhametta Mahabaramee in Gautier on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Hundreds wait in line to buy food during Songkran at the Wat Buddhametta Mahabaramee in Gautier on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Children play with water guns during Songkran at the Wat Buddhametta Mahabaramee in Gautier on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Attendees participate in Thai water boxing during Songkran at the Wat Buddhametta Mahabaramee in Gautier on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Attendees participate in Thai water boxing during Songkran at the Wat Buddhametta Mahabaramee in Gautier on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Attendees participate in Thai water boxing during Songkran at the Wat Buddhametta Mahabaramee in Gautier on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Attendees participate in Thai water boxing during Songkran at the Wat Buddhametta Mahabaramee in Gautier on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Attendees participate in Thai water boxing during Songkran at the Wat Buddhametta Mahabaramee in Gautier on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Two girls shoot water as people compete in Thai water boxing during Songkran at the Wat Buddhametta Mahabaramee in Gautier on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Attendees participate in Thai water boxing during Songkran at the Wat Buddhametta Mahabaramee in Gautier on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
