On Wednesday, 8 April 2026, Khon Kaen University (KKU) continued its preservation of traditional merit-making ceremonies in accordance with the Isan customs of “Heet 12 Khong 14” (12 annual ceremonies and 14 social rules) by hosting the “Fifth-Month Merit Making, Buddha Worship Parade, and Paying Respect to Elders” event for the year 2026. The event was led by Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of the Khon Kaen University Council, and Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University. Also in attendance were members of the University Council, administrators, faculty members, senior citizens, students, university staff, Molam (Isan folk music) artists, and members of the communities surrounding the university. Participants dressed in brightly colored floral patterns and traditional Thai fabrics to join the parade at the Art and Culture Complex (by Sithan Lake), located within the university’s Center for Art and Culture.
The activities commenced at 4.30 pm with a ritual to avert misfortune corresponding to the Chinese zodiac signs, an Isan tradition led by Dr Narongchai Akrasanee. This was followed by a candle and incense lighting ceremony to pay homage to the “Luang Pho Phra Si 50th Anniversary of KKU” Buddha image, a bathing ceremony for the Buddha image and a replica of the Phra That Phanom stupa’s seal, and a bathing ceremony for the “Lan Xang Rom Khao” Buddha image. Subsequently, Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of KKU, led staff and students in a ceremony to formally ask for forgiveness from the elders. Following this, both Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee and Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., led the parade, which featured processions from various faculties and departments, including the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences, Economics, Associated Medical Sciences, Technology, Science, Fine and Applied Arts, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dentistry, Agriculture, International College, Nursing, Education, Engineering, the Interdisciplinary College, the College of Graduate Study in Management (MBA), the KKU Staff Council, and the student union of the Faculty of Public Health.
Later, Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., presided over the “Somma Aawuso” ceremony, a water-pouring ritual to ask for blessings from and pay respect to the elders. He presented souvenirs to Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee and other esteemed elders. Attendees then enjoyed watching the parades from the various faculties. The event concluded with a flower offering ceremony to nine monks and the traditional Isan practice of decorating stupas representing the 12 zodiac signs.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niyom Wongpongkham, Vice President for Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, stated that Khon Kaen University has long prioritised traditional customs through various activities over the years. He emphasised that the “Fifth-Month Merit Making, Buddha Worship Parade, and Paying Respect to Elders” event reinforces the core principles of the fifth-month merit-making tradition: parading Buddha images and pouring water to seek blessings from elders. It provides an opportunity for everyone to reflect on their past actions, ask for forgiveness from their seniors, and foster unity, participation, and happiness within the organisation.
Mr. Phiphat Kanhaphim, a 12th-grade student from Phuwiangwittayakom School in Phu Wiang District, Khon Kaen, representing the “Sao Sa Mueang Khon” team, mentioned that he joined the university’s “Top Prathai” (sand stupa building) project after seeing an announcement on Facebook. His team’s creation was based on the concept of abundance, symbolized by a turtle, a crocodile, and the KKU logo, all made from natural materials to promote environmental conservation. The team also dressed in a Phu Wiang dinosaur theme to represent their local identity. He expressed that participating for the first time was filled with excitement and pride in being part of preserving Thai cultural traditions with Khon Kaen University.
The “Fifth-Month Merit Making, Buddha Worship Parade, and Paying Respect to Elders” 2026 festival also featured many other engaging activities, including a Buddha worship parade competition, a Miss Songkran (Nang Sangkhan) pageant, a “Top Prathai” (sand stupa building) contest, a Buddha image bathing ceremony, a flower offering ceremony, and lively Molam performances by numerous artists. The event aimed to promote the virtuous culture of the Thai and Isan people while strengthening the positive relationships between faculties and departments, both within and outside Khon Kaen University.
