Associate Professor Dr. Supakorn Pongbangpho, the President of the University of Phayao, assigned Assistant Professor Dr. Amares Thepma, Dean of the School of Architecture and Fine Arts, and Associate Professor Dr. Montra Pongnil, Dean of the School of Political and Social Sciences, along with Dr. Jaruwan Poshyananda, Assistant to the President, to participate in the annual "Peng Pud" (Midnight Alms Walking) Ceremony 2025 at Wat Mor Kaeng Thong, Mae Ka Subdistrict, Mueang Phayao District, Phayao Province.
The University of Phayao organized this event in collaboration with various units, such as the School of Architecture and Fine Arts, the School of Political and Social Sciences, the Division of General Affairs, the Division of Student Affairs, the Division of Student Quality Development and Students with Disabilities, the Student Union, the Student Council, the Student Inspectors, Saha Weang, and the Khuang Sil Club. The Mae Ka Subdistrict Municipality and the Mae Ka Subdistrict community also played a crucial role in supporting this event.
This gathering aimed to foster moral integrity and good governance within the university while strengthening its connection with the Mae Ka Subdistrict community. It also aimed to promote cultural preservation by encouraging participation in the Peng Pud alms walking tradition among monks, university executives, staff, students, and community leaders. Moreover, the event served as a meaningful bridge of goodwill between Wat Mor Kaeng Thong, the University of Phayao, and the local community.
The Significance of "Peng Pud" (Midnight Alms Walking)
"Peng Pud" is a unique Buddhist tradition in which alms are offered at midnight on a Wednesday of the full moon (the 15th day of the waxing moon). According to ancient beliefs, an enlightened monk named Maha Upagupta, known for his great spiritual power and ability to bestow blessings emerges from deep meditation under the ocean on the night of Tuesday (14th waxing moon) transitioning into Wednesday (15th waxing moon). He then takes the form of a young novice monk and wanders for alms, offering blessings and good fortune to those who make merit by giving alms to him. It is widely believed that those who participate in this tradition will receive great prosperity, fortune, and auspiciousness in their lives.