Khon Kaen University held a traditional procession and sacred ceremony dedicated to its guardian spirit, building institutional unity and cultural pride among first-year students.
Khon Kaen University (KKU) recently organised the ‘Tum Home Sattha Siri Sakka Buchaya Chao Pho Mo Din Daeng’ project to welcome new students for the 2025–2026 academic year. The event brought together more than 5,000 first-year students in a grand procession and sacred homage ceremony dedicated to ‘Chao Pho Mo Din Daeng’, the revered guardian spirit of the university. The project aims to preserve Isan cultural heritage, instil institutional pride, build solidarity, and raise morale among the new students as they embark on their university journey.
The ceremony took place on 20 June 2026 at the 40th Anniversary Dhamma Hall, Khon Kaen University. Organised by the Student Development and Alumni Relations Division in collaboration with the Khon Kaen University Student Organisation (KKUSO), the event was presided over by Associate Professor Dr Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University. University executives, staff members, and over 5,000 students attended.
The annual project provides first-year students with an opportunity to pay respect to ‘Chao Pho Mo Din Daeng’, the spiritual centre and anchor of faith for the KKU community. The activity serves as a morale booster at the outset of students’ higher education journey, strengthening their bond with the institution and promoting the distinctive identity of KKU students through activities that reflect their Isan cultural roots and traditions.
The event was filled with warmth and deep devotion. The gathering commenced at the KKU NEXUS Arena before the procession moved to the 40th Anniversary Dhamma Hall. Student representatives from all faculties stood together holding their respective faculty flags and banners, demonstrating institutional pride and solidarity as members of the ‘Mo Din Daeng’ community. A ‘human wave’ activity was also performed during the procession. Prior to the sacred ritual, a cultural performance also titled ‘Tum Home Sattha Siri Sakka Buchaya Chao Pho Mo Din Daeng’ was staged, choreographed by the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts and performed by the Natthakan Mo Din Daeng troupe. The performance featured two auspicious elephants, making a deep impression on the 63rd cohort of Kalapruek students.
‘Chao Pho Mo Din Daeng’ has been revered by the Khon Kaen University community and local residents for decades. The shrine is recognised as one of the ten sacred sites of Khon Kaen Province, symbolising protection and serving as a spiritual anchor for the public. This welcoming activity serves not only to preserve a valuable cultural heritage but also as a platform for social and cultural learning. It encourages students to recognise the value of unity, respect for diversity, and collaborative engagement within the university community.
Ms. Nichaphat Wisetchat, a first-year student from the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy majoring in Marketing Technology, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the ceremony. She shared that Khon Kaen University was her first choice during the admission process, and being successfully enrolled made this homage ceremony particularly meaningful to her. She used the occasion to pray for a smooth, safe, and successful university life.
“I feel deeply comforted and motivated. It feels like an official start to my university life, receiving both blessings and a strong sense of belonging to the KKU family. If opportunities arise, I will certainly return to pay respect to Chao Pho Mo Din Daeng throughout my studies and after graduation,” said Ms. Wisetchat.
Mr. Apiwat Saenngern, a first-year student from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences majoring in Public Administration, stated that he felt proud to officially become a ‘Luk Chao Pho Mo Din Daeng’ (Child of Chao Pho Mo Din Daeng) and could feel the sense of spiritual unity shared by the students.
“Despite the rain today, my friends and I were determined to attend this ceremony with faith. Seeing the senior students working together to organise such a grand event made me feel the warmth of the KKU family. This activity has boosted my confidence as I begin my university life and allowed me to learn about the beautiful traditions that have been passed down for generations,” noted Mr. Saenngern.
News: Benjamaporn Mamook
Photography: Natthawut Jaruwong
