On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the Center for Arts and Culture at Khon Kaen University hosted the grand annual event, “Boon Duean Ha (The Fifth Month Merit-making): Buddha Procession and Respect for Elders”, at the Cultural Village by Si Than Lake. The event aimed to preserve the traditional Heet Sip Song (Twelve Isan Traditions) and reflect the cultural values of the region. This year’s celebration followed UNESCO’s recognition of “Songkran in Thailand” as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023, highlighting the importance of safeguarding Thai traditions. The Boon Duean Ha festival is a significant Isan tradition that KKU has upheld for years.
The festivities began in the late afternoon with vibrant activities, including a sand pagoda-building contest (Tob Prathai), a zodiac cleansing ceremony, a water-pouring ritual for Buddha images and a replica of Phra That Phanom, and a candle-lighting and prayer ceremony for Luang Por Phra Sri. Distinguished guests, including Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of the University Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Panthongwiriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University; and Mr. Siriwat Pinijpanich, Deputy Governor of Khon Kaen Province, joined the ceremonies. Over 1,000 participants, including university executives, faculty members, students, staff, local community members, and the general public, gathered to celebrate in a warm and lively atmosphere.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niyom Wongpongkham, Vice President for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy at KKU, emphasized the significance of the event, describing it as a joyful yet orderly celebration that respects human rights and traditions. He explained, “The Boon Duean Ha: Buddha Procession and Respect for Elders festival provides an opportunity for everyone to reflect on their past actions and seek forgiveness from elders. This year’s event is even more spectacular, with grand processions featuring Buddha images from various faculties and departments, creating a vibrant and unified celebration.”
Following the main ceremonies, attendees were treated to a stunning display of cultural processions, including the Buddha Procession and Respect for Elders and the Nang Sang Khan Parade (Miss Songkran Beauty Queens Parade) from different faculties and departments. These colorful and creative parades showcased the energy and creativity of the younger generation, blending cultural preservation with modern innovation. The event reinforced KKU’s role as a hub for sustainable cultural values. Other highlights included a water-pouring ceremony to honor elders, a floral alms-giving ritual, and captivating Isan cultural performances by Mor Lam (traditional Isan folk opera) artists, creating a warm and proud atmosphere that celebrated the essence of Isan heritage.
Clara Ancilia Pramita Kusumasri and Afif Ihza Abdala, students from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, along with Aye Chan Soe, a student from the International College at KKU, shared their excitement about participating in the grand festival. “We are thrilled to be part of such a fun and magnificent event. This is our first time experiencing Songkran in Thailand and at Khon Kaen University,” they said.
“In our home countries, we don’t have local traditions like this. Today, we got to immerse ourselves in the activities, ceremonies, and parades, which allowed us to deeply appreciate and learn about Isan culture. It was incredibly fun, and we were especially impressed by everyone’s traditional attire. We’re grateful that KKU organized this event for both staff and students to enjoy together, and we hope to join again next year.”
The Boon Duean Ha festival at Khon Kaen University not only celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Isan but also fostered a sense of unity and pride among participants, ensuring that these traditions remain vibrant and relevant for future generations.
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