25/05/2025
Inthakhin Festival – The Sacred City Pillar Worship Ceremony in Chiang Mai
The revered Inthakhin Festival, also known as the City Pillar Worship Ceremony, will soon be held at Wat Chedi Luang Temple, the home of Chiang Mai’s city pillar.
This annual cultural and spiritual celebration is deeply rooted in Lanna tradition, where locals gather to pay homage and make offerings to the city pillar shrine. The tradition dates back to 1296 when King Mangrai founded Chiang Mai and established the city pillar, believed to protect and bless the city and its people.
For the year 2025, the festival will be held from May 23rd to May 29th. During this sacred week, locals bring beautifully decorated flower arrangements and silver offering bowls (ngao pan) to place in front of the shrine, offering prayers for health, good weather, peace, and prosperity.
A special highlight of the festival is the ceremonial procession of the Phra Fon Saen Ha Buddha image, also known as the “Buddha of a Hundred Thousand Rains.” The statue is paraded through the streets of Chiang Mai, where people gather to make merit and pray for rainfall and blessings.
The opening day features traditional rituals, merit-making, and prayers dedicated to the city’s guardian spirits. Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy traditional Lanna music and dance performances, and the surrounding streets come alive with vibrant street food stalls and local vendors.
The event concludes with the grand Closing Ceremony, often referred to as the “Victory Celebration,” which marks the official end of the festival.
Locals believe that participating in the Inthakhin Festival brings blessings for the entire year, including good fortune, protection, and spiritual peace. Everyone in Chiang Mai — locals and visitors alike — are warmly invited to join this meaningful and culturally rich event.
