Inthakin city blessing ceremony 2023

This year’s Inthakin city-blessing ceremony began on the 16th May and will run through to the 23rd May. 

While there are festivities throughout the city, the main locations to visit are War Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. 

The Inthakin festival is held in honour and celebration of the Chiang Mai city pillar and the guardian spirits. According to an ancient Thai legend, Chiang Mai, back in its time of origin, had been plagued with demons and disasters. In hopes of turning the fate of the city around, a hermit prayed to the Hindu god, Indra, for help. Soon after, a pillar was sent from the heavens to protect the city and its people against harm, and peace finally prevailed.

However, as many years passed by, the citizens of Chiang Mai began to neglect the significance of the pillar – leaving the city to be once again vulnerable to destruction. In 1296, King Mengrai located the forgotten city pillar at Wat Sadue Muang, which was later moved to be kept at Wat Chedi Luang, where it is currently placed.

The festival is held yearly in remembrance of its significance and as evidence of how much the people value the city pillar. The festival is open to the public for the rest of the week, so locals and visitors can still come out these next several days to make merit at Wat Chedi Luang, enjoy the musical performances, traditional Thai food, and the bustling ambiance. Read more about this important and very uniquely Lanna festival here. https://www.chiangmaicitylife.com/clg/see-do/festivals-events/glorious-rainfall-marks-the-start-of-inthakin-city-pillar-festival/