Khon Kaen University organized the annual “Boon Duean Ha: Buddhist Procession and Senior Blessing Ceremony 2026”, also known as the university’s Songkran Festival, on April 8, 2026, at the Khum Silpa Watthanatham, Art and Culture Center, Khon Kaen University. The event aimed to preserve the traditional Thai New Year customs in accordance with the Isan cultural code of Heet Sib Song, Kong Sib See (the twelve annual traditions and fourteen moral practices), which form an important foundation of Northeastern Thai culture.

The event was presided over by Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of the Khon Kaen University Council, Mr. Khajornkiat Rakpanichmanee, Governor of Khon Kaen Province, and Associate Professor Dr. Chanchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University. They were joined by members of the University Council, executives from internal and external organizations, faculty members, senior staff, students, university personnel, Mor Lam artists, and members of surrounding communities, all participating in the activities to help preserve these valuable traditions.

The event aimed to conserve and promote Isan cultural traditions, strengthen unity within the organization, and foster positive relationships between the university and local communities through cultural activities reflecting regional identity.

Activities included traditional zodiac-based merit rituals for dispelling misfortune, the ceremonial bathing of Buddha images and a replica of Phra That Phanom stupa for good fortune during the Thai New Year, the traditional water-pouring ceremony to ask blessings from senior members (Somma Awuso), a Buddhist procession, and a Tob Prathai (sand pagoda building) contest. These activities highlighted the faith, beliefs, and traditional way of life of the Isan people.

Following the success of previous years, Khon Kaen University continues to emphasize the preservation of the essence of the Boon Duean Ha tradition, which according to ancient beliefs marks the transition into a new year of life. Water symbolizes purification, washing away misfortune, and bringing prosperity, forming the cultural origins of the Songkran festival as it is known today.

The event also featured traditional Isan cultural performances, including Mor Lam performances by the KKU Mor Lam Klon Club and a special performance by the Prathom Order Show Mor Lam troupe, which helped create a lively and joyful atmosphere. These performances demonstrated the strength of folk artist networks working together to preserve Mor Lam performing arts in contemporary society.

The Boon Duean Ha: Buddhist Procession and Senior Blessing Ceremony is considered an important annual tradition of Khon Kaen University, symbolizing the university’s New Year celebration. The event provides an opportunity for staff and students to express gratitude and respect toward senior members through traditional blessing ceremonies while continuing to preserve valuable cultural traditions for the university and Thai society.

Photos and additional downloads are available at:
https://kku.world/x3od21

#BoonDueanHaKKU
#KKUSongkranFestival
#KKUArtAndCultureCenter