November 6-8, 2022 – Khon Kaen University holds the Sithan KKU Festival 2022, an event under the creative economy strategy of the University, which aims at nurturing art and culture of Isan livelihood. The event this year is under the theme “Past Legend, Future tense” that develops modern art and culture based on the cultural foundation towards the better strength. The event is also a learning resource and a creative venue for students and the public to drive forward Thai art and culture. At the same time, tourism and economy at the regional, national and international level is provoked. The festival venue was decorated with more than 14,000 colorful lanterns and lotus lanterns along Si Than road and around the area of Si Than lake. The festival featured a lot of cultural activities.
Sunday November 6, 2022 – the first day of the festival emphasized the concept of faith. At 7:00 a.m., there was the merit making of food offerings to 9 monks and the procession of Phra Uppakhut. Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., KKU President presided over the ceremony. Attending the event were KKU administrators, staff from different faculties and divisions. The merit making was meant as fate and goodness of the activities that followed.
In the evening of the first day at 17:00 p.m. – the procession of the holy relic began. The procession was led by President Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, his wife and KKU administrators. The holy Buddha relic was given to the University by the Supreme Patriarch Krim Luang Vajirayanasungvara on July 11, 2005. The relic has been placed since on Busabaka of Buddha Silpa Building. The procession was another activity believed to bring fate and prosperity to those who attended.
Next, KKU President Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D.; Mr. Phanthep Saokosol, Vice Governor of Khon Kaen and Mr. Prasop Riang-ngoen, Director of the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture lit the candles to worship 15 families of the Great Naga on the west side of Si Than Lake. The ritual was led and guided by Brahman, with worshipping dance, followed by a performance that was also meant to worship the Naga. The dances were performed by a group of students majoring in performing arts, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts of Khon Kaen University. After the worshipping ceremony, the administrators floated their silk-cocoon krathongs, which were made by the Department of Home Economics Art, Khon Kaen Vocational School. The next feature was the magnificent fireworks, followed by Mo Lum “Silpin Phuthai” with their great stage performance.
The semi-final round of contest of “Mo Din Daeng Folk Music 2022” then took place at the open stage of the Art Gallery on the first day. The winner would receive a trophy from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The details of the prizes are as follows:
First Prize – A trophy from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn:
Folk music band of Uthaithamanuwatwittaya School
First Runner-up Prize:
Folk music band of Buengkan School
Second Runner-up Prize:
Folk music band of Nampongsuksa School
Honorary Mention Award:
Folk music band of Srikranuanwittayakom School
Folk music band of Jakkaratwittaya School
Excellent Instrumental Music Award:
Folk music band of Uthaithammanuwatwittaya School
Excellent Accompanying Dance Award:
Folk music band of Buengkan School
Excellent Singer Award:
Folk music band of Uthaithammanuwatwittaya School
The winners of short viral clip (TikTok) of Si Than Festival Invitation were:
First Category – Nov 1-6 clip of introduction and invitation to the festival:
The owner of Facebook Account: Punyawut Chamni, for which there were 6,900 likes and 258 shares. The prize was 2,000 Baht.
The winners of the semi-final round of the western music contest, which was held at the East-side Stage (Second Stage) were as follows:
Udon Thani Municipality 6 School
Buengkan School
Srisaketwittayalai School
Suankulapwittayalai School Chonburi
Udonpittayanukul School
Sithan KKU Festival 2022 was still ongoing on November 7-8, 2022 with a lot of fun and entertaining activities. There were carnival floats, dancing contest, folk music contest and many more.
News: Watchara Noichompoo
Photos: Atthapong Hampong
