The first light of November brings a return of faith to Sithan Lake once again with Khon Kaen University’s (KKU) great cultural festival of the year, the “Sithan International Festival 2025: Boon Somma Bucha Nak” (Merit Making and Paying Homage to the Naga), held under the theme “Sithan Navadhara Himalayan.” This spectacular event took place from 3 to 5 November 2025 at Sithan Lake, Khon Kaen University.
On the morning of 3 November 2025, Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, led executives, faculty members, staff, and students in a merit-making ceremony dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. The ceremony included offering food to 10 monks (Tak Bat), the procession to invite the Phra Upakhut (a revered Buddha image), and the veneration of Luang Por Phra Sri 50 Pi KKU and Luang Por Sai Khao for auspiciousness.
In the evening, the official opening ceremony commenced. Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, presided over the ceremony, joined by Mr. Phanthep Saokosol, Deputy Governor of Khon Kaen Province, along with a large crowd of executives, faculty, students, and members of the public.
Assoc. Prof. Niyom Wongpongkham, Ph.D., Vice President for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, reported that Khon Kaen University recognises the value of Isan arts and culture inherited across generations, especially the Boon Somma Bucha Nak tradition, which symbolises the faith and bond among the people in the region. KKU has consistently organised the “Sithan Festival” as a venue to cultivate and propagate cultural heritage while promoting the Creative Economy, enabling the community to leverage artistic value into contemporary lifestyles.
“The year 2025 marks a significant step for Khon Kaen University as we officially elevate this event into an international festival, collaborating with five countries: Thailand, China, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. This reflects the university’s commitment to becoming the regional centre for arts and culture,” Assoc. Prof. Niyom stated.
Subsequently, Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul delivered the opening address, noting that the Boon Somma Bucha Nak or Loy Krathong tradition is an important practice reflecting faith and gratitude towards the Goddess of the Water (Phra Mae Khongkha) and the Naga, while also fostering love, unity, and cohesion among community members.
“The theme ‘Sithan Navadhara Himalayan’ holds profound meaning. ‘Sithan’ refers to the sacred area of faith associated with the Naga. ‘Navadhara’ signifies the new stream of knowledge, representing the extension of wisdom. And ‘Himalayan’ is analogous to the mountain source that nourishes life. The organisation of this year’s festival, therefore, integrates the power of arts and culture with intellect to foster growth in both the spirit and society,” said Assoc. Prof. Charnchai.
The opening ceremony featured the spectacular performance “Mangkhalanaga Dhara Himalayan,” alongside a great variety of cultural and artistic activities. These included floating Krathongs on Sithan Lake, a procession of the Buddha’s Relics (Phra Borom Saririkdhartu), the veneration of the “Phra That Sukantajedi Sri Modindaeng” stupa, and the exhibition “Art, Faith, and the Stream of Allegiance,” dedicated to Her Majesty the Queen Mother. Furthermore, there were screenings of the Royal Duties film at the Isan Film Archive, and the lighting of over 15,000 ground lanterns and Krathongs around Sithan Lake.
In addition, the festival showcased contemporary performances and creative activities by students and the public, such as the Luk Thung music contest “Daorung Luk Thung Modindaeng” (Rising Stars of Luk Thung Modindaeng), the Luk Thung singing contest “Siangson Waewwan Sithan Festival,” a Mor Lam performance by the Isan Nakorn Silp troupe, Nang Pramothai (Pramothai Shadow Puppetry) by the Isan Silp troupe, a Freestage & Random Dance event, a Creative Walking Street, an international mask and puppet festival, the Plearn Wathanatham cultural area, a fire boat display, and the “Midnight Art Gallery” exhibition, along with numerous food stalls and amusement rides.
Ms. Kannika Khreuthumma, 68, and her friends travelled from Nong Ruea District, Khon Kaen, specifically to be part of the Sithan Festival 2025. She noted, “This year is grander than any previous year. I noticed the clothing and processions from various nations, yet everything was appropriately balanced with the context of the nation having recently passed through a period of loss. I am so glad to participate in the Loy Krathong event at Khon Kaen University. As a Thai subject who loves our Queen, seeing the activities dedicated to commemorating the immense Royal Grace of Her Majesty the Queen Mother today fills my heart with great joy.”
Khon Kaen University invites everyone to experience the “River, Blood, and Lineage” of Isan faith together at Sithan Lake from 3–5 November 2025. Attendees are encouraged to wear traditional Thai fabric attire to help preserve this cultural heritage and to commemorate the boundless Royal Grace of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, who remains an inspiration for the beauty of Thai arts and culture.
