On November 14, 2024, Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with its network partners, hosted the spectacular KKU Carnival 2024 under the theme “The Spirit of Isan, Sithan Mutelu.” This event was part of the Sithan KKU Festival 2024 held at Sithan Road, Khon Kaen University.
Isan, a region renowned for its rich cultural diversity, seamlessly integrates religious beliefs and rituals, including animism, Brahmanism, and Buddhism. These elements coexist harmoniously, reflecting the unique Isan way of life. “Mutelu”, a term that has recently gained popularity in Thailand, referring to a blend of spiritual practices that encompass a wide range of belief-related products and services, symbolizes the sacredness inherent in Isan’s land, rooted in these beliefs, which have long served as a spiritual anchor for the people of Isan. This year’s Carnival parade theme, “Mutelu,” pays homage to this enduring spirit.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University, highlighted the university’s commitment to organizing such valuable cultural events. These activities showcase the cultural capital of Isan through its thoughts, beliefs, and cultural practices.
“In organizing this event, I felt the dedication of the organizing team and the collaboration between Khon Kaen University’s network, the community, and artists, who have worked together to create the KKU Carnival 2024 parade at the Sithan Festival, making it more diverse and continuously attracting interest,” said
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niyom Wongpongkham, Vice President for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy at Khon Kaen University.
The KKU Carnival 2024 is a key highlight of the Sithan Festival 2024. This year marks the fourth year of the Carnival parade, with the main theme “The Spirit of Isan, Sithan Mutelu,” showcasing grandeur and beauty while developing cultural capital and fostering creativity from traditional culture. The parade aims to present contemporary culture through creative and innovative processions, highlighting Isan’s spirit beliefs.
The KKU Carnival 2024 parade features performances such as Phi Bak Huad, Phi Mak Kab Kaeb, the Sanlao Entertainment Arts Morlam troupe, the winning school band from the Rising Star Luk Thung Modindaeng contest, contestants of “MISS KKU ANGEL 2024,” the Modindaeng Innovative Arts Troupe from the Cultural Center of Khon Kaen University, the Naga puppet parade, and processions from various faculties, including the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, Faculty of Public Health, International College, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, and Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. All processions are themed “The Spirit of Isan, Sithan Mutelu,” with the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts winning the KKU Carnival 2024 parade and other awards.
Mr. Ratachet Phansamrong, a third-year student from the Faculty of Agriculture and president of the Isan Club at Khon Kaen University, expressed his joy in participating in the parade, appreciating the youth’s awareness and preservation of Thai culture, such as the Loy Krathong tradition and the grand Carnival, which not only holds economic value but also cultural significance showcased to the world. The Isan Club’s parade, themed “Twelve Traditions, Fourteen Customs,” reflects the Isan people’s practices linked to the full moon, religious faith, and community cooperation.
Another standout parade is the Phi Bak Huad Isan performance, representing the land of spirits, including earth spirits, water spirits, sky spirits, and various other spirits. Phi Bak Huad is a new cultural spirit creation, using Isan’s woven bamboo baskets, “Huad,” to craft “Mutelu spirits,” aligning with KKU students from various faculties who love dance and expression. This also promotes creativity, unity, and collaborative learning among students.
The Sithan KKU Festival 2024 at Sithan Road, Khon Kaen University, continues from November 13 to 15, 2024, featuring numerous creative activities and welcoming over a hundred thousand visitors. Today (November 15, 2024) is the final night.
Follow the activities on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SithanKKUFestival.
See more photos at https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=978102574352764&set=pcb.978110834351938.