Khon Kaen University, Thailand – On Friday, 14 November 2025, the Division of Student Development and Alumni Relations, in collaboration with the Department of Student Development and Alumni Relations, organised the annual Worshipping Ceremony for Chaopho Mor Din Daeng (the Guardian Spirit of Mor Din Daeng). The ceremony was honoured by the presence of the President of Khon Kaen University, along with executive members, staff, students, and devotees. The proceedings took place at the Dharma Pavilion, the Shrine of Chaopho Mor Din Daeng, Khon Kaen University.
At 08:09 hrs, Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., the President of Khon Kaen University and Chair of the ceremony, presided over the rites. The President began by changing the ceremonial robe (Angsa) of the Phra Phuttha Panya Metta Tham Buddha image and lighting joss sticks and candles to pay homage to the Triple Gem and Chaopho Mor Din Daeng. The President then placed joss sticks at the main offering table and the censer for the ancillary spirits, offering a prayer.
Following this, the Brahmin priest led the invocation of the celestial beings (Thewada), read the sacred incantations (Ongkarn), and led the rites of worship, offering ceremonial items to Chaopho Mor Din Daeng. The President scattered puffed rice and flowers, followed by the sounding of the victory gong three times. Executive members, students, and devotees then paid their respects by planting joss sticks in the censer dedicated to the Guardian Spirit.
Subsequently, students from the Thai Classical Dance branch of the Performing Arts programme performed the ceremonial offering dance (Ram Buang Suang), accompanied by the live performance of Thai music by students from the Thai Music branch of the Music Arts programme. This was followed by the sounding of the victory gong three times. The Piphat ensemble then performed a piece signalling the completion of the offerings. The Brahmin priest formally invited the celestial beings to return and declared the offerings completed. The ceremony concluded with the Kaen Wong (Isan mouth organ ensemble) performing celebratory music, reaffirming the faith in Chaopho Mor Din Daeng.
The Worshipping Ceremony for Chaopho Mor Din Daeng is held annually to boost morale, provide spiritual encouragement, and bestow good fortune upon the executive board, academic staff, students, and all devotees who come to pay homage. The shrine, established in June 1966, honours the guardian spirit according to the traditional beliefs of Southeast Asia (Usakane). The ceremony also serves to demonstrate cultural unity, reinforce the spiritual bond with the University’s location, and express gratitude to the revered sacred entity that has continuously protected, guided, and blessed the people of Khon Kaen University.
News: Jiraporn Pratomchai
Photos: Department of Student Development and Alumni Relations / Wathanyoo Chuamthaisong / Preedee Seetakool
