Thai
On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, Khon Kaen University participated in preserving traditional merit-making customs according to the 12 Hīt and 14 Khong in the annual event “Boon Duean Ha: Buddhist Procession and Senior Almsgiving” for the year 2024. The event was led by Dr. Narongchai Akkaraseranee, Chairman of the Khon Kaen University Council; Mr. Phanthep Saokosol, Deputy Governor of Khon Kaen Province; Associate Professor Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University; along with university council members, administrators, faculty members, senior elders, students, university staff, Mor Lam artists, and the surrounding community. Participants dressed in brightly colored floral patterns and traditional Thai silk costumes to join the procession around the Khum Silpa Watthanatham area (by Bung Sitan Lake), at the Khon Kaen University Cultural Center.
The event began at 4:30 PM with a ceremony to dispel bad luck according to the zodiac, led by Dr. Narongchai Akkaraseranee, Chairman of the Khon Kaen University Council. This was in keeping with the traditional Isan customs. The ceremony included lighting incense and candles, and paying respects to Luang Pho Phra Sri, the 50th Anniversary Buddha of KKU. Following this, water-pouring rituals were performed on the Buddha statue and the replica of the Phra That Phanom seal, as well as on the Phra Phuttha Silp, “The White Shade of Lan Chang.”
Next, Associate Professor Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University, led staff and students in a ritual to ask for forgiveness from senior elders. Afterwards, Dr. Narongchai Akkaraseranee and Associate Professor Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul led personnel and students in a procession featuring faculties including the Interdisciplinary Faculty of Nong Khai Campus, Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Public Health, Faculty of Fine Arts, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Law, and Faculty of Engineering.
Later, Associate Professor Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul performed a water blessing ceremony to pay respects to the elders, presented commemorative gifts to Dr. Narongchai Akkaraseranee and other senior elders, and then attendees enjoyed the procession performances from various faculties. The event concluded with a merit-making ceremony, offering flowers to nine monks, and decorating twelve zodiac pagodas in accordance with traditional Isan customs.
Associate Professor Dr. Niyom Wongpongkham, Vice President for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy at Khon Kaen University, explained that the fifth lunar month, or April, is a hot season in Thailand. Historically, Thai people’s lives have been closely linked to water, which is used in this month to cool down both in daily life and in belief-based practices. This tradition has been preserved as a cultural heritage for centuries. Khon Kaen University places great importance on these traditional customs by organizing activities over the years, particularly the “Boon Duean Ha: Buddhist Procession and Senior Almsgiving” event, which brings the essence of the fifth lunar month’s merit-making to foster love and unity while continuing the ancient cultural heritage.
The above news was translated by Claude AI.
