The "Filling Flower Bowl to Worship Inthakhin Pillar" tradition for 2026 has begun, uplifting the morale of Chiang Mai residents. The statue of "Phra Chao Fon Saen Ha" has been temporarily enshrined at Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan.
On 13 May 2026, Mr. Ratthaphon Naradisorn, Governor of Chiang Mai, presided over the ceremony to enshrine Phra Buddha Kantharat, also known as Phra Chao Fon Saen Ha, along with offerings. The statue was placed on a palanquin and paraded in a grand Lanna-style procession from Wat Chang Taem to be temporarily enshrined at Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan. This marked the start of the 2026 "Filling Flower Bowl to Worship Inthakhin Pillar" tradition. Deputy Governor Mr. Siwa Thamikanon, government officials, and Buddhist devotees also attended the ceremony.
Each year, Chiang Mai holds a ceremony to worship the Inthakhin Pillar, or the city pillar, to uplift spirits and bring good fortune to residents and farmers who rely on timely rainfall. Therefore, Phra Chao Fon Saen Ha, a revered Buddha statue believed to bring rain, is invited to lead a city parade allowing the public to pour water and pay respects for blessings. After the tradition concludes, the statue is returned to Wat Chang Taem as usual.
Annually, Phra Chao Fon Saen Ha is taken from Wat Chang Taem for public worship outside the temple only twice: once during the grand water-pouring parade at the Chiang Mai New Year (Songkran) festival, and again during the "Filling Flower Bowl to Worship Inthakhin Pillar" tradition, which begins today.
Buddhist devotees can join the merit-making ceremony of the 2026 "Filling Flower Bowl to Worship Inthakhin Pillar" tradition from today, 13 May 2026, until 19 May 2026, from 06:00 to 24:00 at Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai Province.
