Loi Krathong, Phra Uppakhut Worshipping and the opening of Sithan KKU Festival 2019
November 9, 2019, 7:00 hrs at Buddha Silpa Sathan, Sithan Lake, Khon Kaen University – the merit making ceremony was held with the invitation of Phra Uppakhut to formerly and graciously open “Sithan KKU Festival 2019 – Boon Somma Bucha Nak”. The ceremony was attended by Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Pathongviriyakul, M.D., Acting KKU President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niyom Wongpongkham, Vice President for Art, Culture, and Creative Economy; administrators, representatives from faculties and departments and students in a great number.
The merit making of food offerings to the monks was performed in front of Buddha Silpa Sathan, Sithan Lake, Khon Kaen University followed by the respectful invitation of Phar Uppakhut from Sithan Lake by Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Pathongviriyakul, M.D. to the procession which was led by a group of students from the Moral and Meditation Club and students from Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts carrying the worshipping items. The procession moved around Buddha Silpa Sathan three times before temporary placing on the altar. This was followed by a worshipping ceremony of Luang Po Phra Sri 50th KKU Anniversary, food offering to 9 monks inside the building. The ceremony was performed by an expert, Dr. Yuthapong Patwiset.
Dr. Yuthapong Patwiset related that Phra Uppakhut is believed to be a powerful ‘Phra Orahan’ in protection and prevention of bad fortune as well as in blessings for success. Phra Uppakhut stays at the bottom of the sea and used to demonstrate his power when he was invited by Asok the Great to subdue the evils who were going to destroy the ceremony of Maha Jedi construction and became famous ever since. Therefore, Isan people believe that whenever we hold any ceremony we will invite Phra Uppakhit from Sithan Lake to the altar for virtues and fortunes all through the 3 ceremonious days according to the old tradition.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niyom Wongpongkham, Vice President for Art, Culture, and Creative Economy said “Boon Somma Bucha Nak” reflects the essence of the rite called “Somma” which means “ask for forgiveness” and “Bucha” which means “paying respect”. Therefore this festival really formulates the thinking base of Isan people towards the surrounding. “Sithan KKU Festival – Boon Somma Bucha Nak” is the old belief that “Naga” and “Nam” represent the same thing. The festival’s name stands for paying respect towards and asking for forgiveness from “water” and “Naga” and at the same time denotes the fertility identity of Khon Kaen University where good people and fertility stay.
“Sithan KKU Festival 2019 – Boon Somma Bucha Nak” is held on Novermber 9-11, 2019 at Sithan Lake of Khon Kaen University with the aims to nurture art and culture, local wisdom, promote national tradition and culture with local identity to remain with us for a long time, and promote Khon Kaen tourism under the concept, “Faith, Fun, Culture Nurturing”. The activities at the festival are multiple and integrate traditions and cultures. The ‘fun’ can be seen from different performances and shows. One can visit the different shops of the students and look at magnificent processions and floats called “KKU Carnival”. There are also demonstrations of community products manufacturing processes, local products, creative walking street, Miss Noppamas contest, krathong floating at Sithan Lake under the beautiful atmosphere.
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News: Jiraporn Prathomchai
Photos: Nattawut Jaruwong
[ Thai ]
