Associate Professor Dr. Supakorn Phongbangpho, the President of the University of Phayao, presided over the annual "Offering New Rice" ceremony. This event brought together university executives, staff, students, local government officials, and members of the Phayao community to preserve and celebrate the traditional Lanna cultural heritage of Phayao Province.
The highlight of the event was the "Floating Procession of the Khao Matupayas" ceremony, which paid homage to the sacred Phra Chao Ton Luang, the only one of its kind in the world. The procession commenced at Wat Tilok Aram Pier, where offerings of Khao Matupayas were presented to Phra Chao Ton Luang. The event also included the Bat Luang, a large alms bowl where participants placed newly harvested rice.
The procession followed a water route from Wat Tilok Aram along the ancient Ing River, through the central waterway of Kwan Phayao, past the King Ngam Muang Monument, and finally reached the pier behind the Ubosot (ordination hall) at Wat Sri Khom Kham. The sacred offerings were then presented to Phra Chao Ton Luang for worship at the temple. This cultural event was organized by the Innovative Learning Institute, University of Phayao, to revitalize and preserve this traditional ceremony.
The Offering of New Rice: A Lanna Tradition is a significant cultural and intellectual heritage of northern Thailand. This tradition has been passed down for generations, with farmers offering their newly harvested rice to sacred beings in the belief that they will protect and ensure abundant yields. The ceremony is also a way to pay tribute to ancestors and benefactors, and is typically conducted through Buddhist rituals on the full moon day of the fourth month in the northern calendar, known as the "Si Peng" Festival.
This tradition reflects the deep connection between farmers, nature, and the sacred in their way of life. Despite being on the brink of disappearing, the University of Phayao revived this tradition in 2007. Since then, it has become an integral part of the university's efforts to preserve and promote local wisdom, ensuring that the Offering of New Rice: A Lanna Tradition remains a vital cultural heritage of Phayao for future.