Khon Kaen University hosted its annual cultural event, promoting regional solidarity and community spirit through the cherished tradition of grilling sticky rice.
Khon Kaen University (KKU), 13 February 2026 – The KKU Art and Culture Centre successfully hosted the “Boon Khao Jee Valentine (Filling Love through Boon Duean Sam Ritual)” event for 2026. The opening ceremony, held along the west bank of Si Than Lake, was presided over by Associate Professor Niyom Wongpongkham, Ph.D., Vice President for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy. The event attracted a large and diverse audience, including vice presidents, deans, distinguished guests, Thai and international students, faculty members, university staff, and members of the public.
Associate Professor Niyom Wongpongkham emphasised the profound significance of the Boon Duean Sam, or Third Month Merit-Making, tradition, which is deeply embedded in the Isan way of life. He explained that the festival nurtures love and harmony within families who gather to grill and converse over Khao Jee, while also reinforcing community unity as residents collectively prepare grilled sticky rice to offer to Buddhist monks. These shared activities create opportunities for social interaction, strengthen bonds of affection, and reinforce communal cohesion.
“The integration of Boon Duean Sam with Valentine’s Day, under the concept ‘Do not abandon the old, do not become infatuated with the new,’ serves to elevate the beautiful cultural heritage and traditions that were once forgotten,” remarked Associate Professor Niyom. “We are revitalising these activities and adapting them appropriately for the modern era.”
He noted that the annual February event provides young people with an opportunity to learn about and immerse themselves in local culture by linking it with a globally recognised celebration. This initiative aligns with Khon Kaen University’s Strategy 2026–2029, which emphasises academic service for societal benefit, enhancement of the campus environment, and advancement of the creative economy through the promotion of local culture and wisdom.
“I commend the concept behind this event and offer my encouragement to all members of the organising committee. May this merit-making festival achieve all its intended objectives,” Associate Professor Niyom concluded.
Student Perspectives on Cultural Blending
Mr. Peerapat Iangsantiae, a third-year Dramatic Arts student from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts and responsible for the cultural performances at the event, expressed his delight at the large number of attendees, particularly the diverse student body.
“As a KKU student, I am very happy to see so many people participating, especially Thai and international students,” said Mr. Peerapat. “Seeing our international friends join made me want to help them understand the activity, so I provided information and explanations to ensure they had fun and grasped the origins of the festival. This is knowledge we can expand upon in the future and promote as an Isan intellectual heritage.”
He explained that by teaching foreigners how to make Khao Jee together, he could share the history of the tradition and how it blends with Valentine’s Day. “We can form the Khao Jee into shapes that convey love, joy, and warmth, making this event unique and highly engaging. For those who missed it this year, you can join next year. When you think of February, you must think of the KKU Art and Culture Centre, which also hosts interesting activities every month.”
Miss Patsakorn Onnoi, also a third-year Dramatic Arts student from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, added that preparing Khao Jee is a communal Isan activity traditionally done during the cold month of Duean Sam (the third month) while sitting around a fire.
“This activity creates warmth and solidarity, which integrates perfectly with Valentine’s Day,” Miss Patsakorn stated. “The atmosphere and decorations can easily be adapted to suit both festivals, making it an inclusive activity for everyone—friends, couples, or families.”
She believes the annual nature of the event is highly beneficial. “It is our identity. When people think of Khao Jee, they think of Isan, culture, and Boon Duean Sam. Organising it every year ensures that the new generation learns and preserves this fine tradition. I encourage anyone who missed it this year to come next year, experience the Isan culture, and bring your loved ones to participate. It might not be a luxurious or extravagant activity, but it provides profound happiness and spiritual value.”
International Students Embrace Isan Culture
Ms. Tin Htet Htet Lwin (Tin Tu), a Master’s student in International Business Management from the College of Graduate Study in Management (KKBS) from Myanmar, shared her strong positive impression of the event.
“This activity is really awesome! I truly feel the unity and kindness of the Thai people. It is a really great experience to join a unique traditional activity and learn about the local culture, which is fascinating,” Ms. Lwin commented.
She was particularly impressed by the students who taught her how to make the sticky rice. “The students were so cute and kind. They offered free sticky rice and preparation equipment for all participants, and they explained in detail how to make and season the sticky rice, including the ‘ging’ [the Isan term for seasoning]. It made it easy to follow. Moreover, they taught me some simple Isan language words, like ‘see’ for jii [grill]. This new knowledge was interesting and made me feel like a true part of the community. They were so friendly; I felt warm, just like being home.”
Ms. Lwin noted that Myanmar also has various types of sticky rice that are part of daily life, especially in the mornings, but the Thai preparation and presentation style was unique. She was delighted to participate and looked forward to joining again next year.
Ms. Shumn Lek Wai Khaing (Sha Wai), also a Master’s student in International Business Management from KKBS, Myanmar, further voiced her excitement:
“This event is genuinely magnificent. This is my first time participating in a Thai traditional activity like this, and I enjoyed every detail. Most people were incredibly kind and friendly. What impressed me was the opportunity to make Khao Jee myself. Having sticky rice and grills provided free felt like a true display of Thai generosity and hospitality.”
Ms. Khaing reflected on the meaning of the event, stating that she views Valentine’s Day as a time to share love in all forms, not just romantic relationships, but also with friends and family.
“After experiencing this activity, I understood why Thai people chose to share Khao Jee on this day. Since Khao Jee is an important staple food, especially in Isan, sharing this food is like sharing love and warmth with everyone, both Thais and foreigners like myself. Everyone can join and feel part of this large family,” Ms. Khaing stressed. “Learning the culture this way helps me understand Thai identity better. I will definitely recommend other international friends join this event because it is a worthwhile and memorable experience. I am so proud to be part of Khon Kaen University, which opens doors for international students to learn and experience Thai culture so closely.”
The “Boon Khao Jee Valentine” event was held between 17:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs and featured a diverse programme blending tradition with contemporary creativity. Activities included a Fancy Khao Jee Contest, live musical performances by Juicy Band, Khojon Band, and Naep Band, an outdoor screening by the Isan Film Archive, a Khon masked dance performance titled Phra Ram Long Song, and a Bas Lop dance performance by the KKU Lao Student Club. The event also featured the Miss Valentine KKU 2026 pageant.
A highlight of the evening was the ‘NAKA LOVER LAND’ installation, a themed photo and aspiration space where participants could symbolically dedicate their wishes to the Naga, a revered symbol of faith and enduring love in the region.
Through the revitalisation of Boon Khao Jee in harmony with Valentine’s Day, Khon Kaen University continues to affirm its role in preserving regional heritage while creatively adapting tradition to resonate with contemporary society, fostering unity, cultural pride, and cross-cultural understanding.
