The Division of Student Affairs participated in ceremony (Saraklao Damhua) for the President and senior staff in celebration of the 2024 Songkran Festival.

Announce date 24/April/2024 | 338 Views

The Division of Student Affairs participated in preserving Thai traditions by organizing a ceremony (Saraklao Damhua) for the President and senior staff in celebration of Songkran at the University of Phayao for the year 2024. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, behind the Office of the President building. The event was honored by the presence of Associate Professor Dr. Supakorn Phongbangpo, the President, along with senior staff members. The ceremony included the traditional bathing of the Phrachao Phutthaphuchakharat Buddha image, the university’s sacred Buddha statue, and the statue of King Naresuan the Great.

The Saraklao Damhua ceremony began with representatives of the administration, staff, and students presenting traditional Lanna offerings and gifts to the President and senior staff. On this occasion, the President gave his blessings. The ceremony was conducted in accordance with Lanna traditions to preserve and promote the beautiful customs, aligning with the University of Phayao’s strategy to conserve, restore, and maintain local arts, culture, and wisdom, while fostering Thainess and advancing towards international recognition. This initiative also supports sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 11.

During the event, there was also a Northern Thai minced meat salad (larb) contest. In Lanna belief, eating larb during Songkran brings prosperity and good fortune. The contest aimed to exchange knowledge and perpetuate cultural traditions. The winners of the larb contest were as follows: the Faculty of Medical Sciences won first place, the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology won second place, and the Faculty of Dentistry won third place.