MSU Leads Worship Procession at Phra That Na Dun Worship Festival 2026

Mahasarakham University joined the opening ceremony of the Phra Borommathat Nadun Worship Festival 2026 by leading a grand procession of ceremonial offerings. The University highlighted the integration of Dvaravati Mahayana Buddhist traditions with Isan–Lan Xang cultural heritage, reflecting faith and local identity in a contemporary context.

Today (February 28, 2026) at 7:00 a.m., at Phra Borommathat Nadun, Nadun District, Maha Sarakham Province, Assoc. Prof. Prayook Srivilai, Ph.D., President of Mahasarakham University, led university executives, staff, and students in the ceremonial procession at the opening of the Phra Borommathat Nadun Worship Festival 2026. This year, Mahasarakham University served as the leading procession, presenting a grand arrangement of traditional offerings and Peechaphak items based on ancient religious beliefs. The procession aimed to revive and continue religious traditions that harmoniously combine Dvaravati Mahayana Buddhism with Isan–Lan Xang customs.

The offering procession consisted of two main forms. The first was the Dvaravati Mahayana style, based on the concept of “Ashta Puja,” or the eight sacred offerings, including clean water, jewels, flowers, incense, lamps, perfume, food, and music, symbolizing the cultivation of generosity and merit. The second was the Isan–Lan Xang traditional offering, featuring Peechaphak, or auspicious grains, symbolizing agricultural abundance.

In addition, the ceremonial arrangement included 16 traditional components such as Khan Mak Beng, Bai Sri Luang, and local food offerings. These elements are not merely ritual objects but represent a symbolic system reflecting local wisdom, lifestyle, and the social structure of Isan society. The event serves as an important mechanism for preserving cultural heritage and connecting faith with contemporary society.

The opening ceremony was presided over by General Boonsin Padklang, Special Royal Guard Officer and Advisor to the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army. Mr. Sarawut Namsili, Chief District Officer of Nadun District, delivered the report and welcomed heads of government agencies, representatives from various sectors, and the public. The ceremony featured the performance “Molam Chi: Sacred Offering at Isan Buddhist Park Phra Borommathat Nadun” by Mahasarakham University, as well as the cultural performance “Jampasri Nadakan” by well-known actress Diana Flipo and traditional dancers in honor of Phra Borommathat Nadun.

The Phra Borommathat Nadun Worship Festival 2026 is organized to promote Buddhism as an act of merit-making and to publicize Phra Borommathat Nadun to a wider audience. The event also aims to raise awareness among local communities about the value of cultural heritage and to generate income for the development and maintenance of Isan Buddhist Park. The festival is held from February 28 to March 8, 2026, for a total of nine days and nine nights.

Source: Ceremonial and Special Affairs Section

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