Preserving and Promoting Lanna Cultural Heritage
Throughout 2024, the Cultural Studies Center of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL) and the Faculty of Arts and Architecture reaffirmed their dedication to preserving and promoting Lanna culture through more than 15 annual art and cultural activities. These initiatives embodied RMUTL’s vision of integrating education, tradition, and creativity in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities — focusing on cultural preservation, public participation, and creative innovation.
A major highlight of the year was the “Lanna Cultural Heritage Continuation Project”, organized in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of RMUTL’s founding. The event featured a series of sacred rituals and performances — including the Wiang Ched Lin sacred water ceremony, chanting and blessing rituals, and a spectacular light and sound performance titled “From Wiang Ched Lin to the Land of Lanna.” These activities symbolized RMUTL’s two-decade journey of merging wisdom, art, and modern learning while strengthening community identity and cultural continuity.
Another significant achievement was RMUTL’s participation in the Yi Peng Grand Krathong Procession 2024, held on November 16, 2024, under the concept “Chalerm Khwan Thosamaracha Sakkarthararamingrat Chakkraphat Rajamongkol.” The procession, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uthen Kamnan, Acting President of RMUTL, together with university executives and students, marched from Tha Phae Gate to Chiang Mai Municipality. The Krathong design drew inspiration from the auspicious 72nd birthday celebration of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, depicting Phaya Naga, the divine guardian of the Ping River, alongside the Seven Royal Treasures (Ratana) — emblems of prosperity, righteousness, and compassion. The grand float conveyed deep cultural and spiritual symbolism, honoring the King’s benevolence and celebrating the unity of the Thai people. RMUTL’s outstanding craftsmanship and creative interpretation earned the university First Runner-Up in the competition, exemplifying excellence in traditional artistry, cultural storytelling, and collaborative creativity.
Additionally, RMUTL continued its mission of nurturing cultural awareness through performing arts and heritage contributions. The university hosted several public performances — including the “Chalerm Khwan Suman Leela Sattathararamingrat” traditional Lanna dance (February 1, 2025), folk music recitals by faculty members, and the annual Wai Kru and Phra Vishnukarma Worship Ceremony (July 26, 2024) — all serving as platforms for intergenerational learning and public engagement. These artistic endeavors reflect RMUTL’s ongoing contribution to local arts, through regular public performances by its university choirs, theatre groups, and orchestras, fostering creative expression and cultural participation within the community.
In parallel, RMUTL has placed strong emphasis on recording and preserving intangible cultural heritage, implementing projects that document local folklore, rituals, traditional craftsmanship, and linguistic heritage of the Lanna people. Collaborative initiatives with community elders, students, and researchers have been undertaken to safeguard and transmit cultural knowledge — ensuring that local traditions and the heritage of displaced or marginalized communities are maintained for future generations.
Moreover, RMUTL alumni contributed to the Royal Commencement Ceremony on February 14, 2025, by designing the stage under the theme “Dandin Thin Tham (Land, Place, and Dharma),” a creative interpretation blending art, philosophy, and environmental consciousness. This exemplifies how RMUTL integrates sustainable design and cultural symbolism in modern academic celebrations.
Through these multifaceted cultural and artistic initiatives, RMUTL continues to strengthen its role as a center for sustainable cultural preservation and creative education, advancing SDG 11 through enhanced public access to cultural experiences, heritage protection, green cultural production, and cross-sector collaboration among academia, communities, and government institutions.
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