The atmosphere of the “Boon Kun Lan Ceremony: Preserving Local Food Traditions” at Ban Khao Mai Kaew School on December 21st was truly memorable. The ceremony was led by a former student, who continues to visit and support the school’s activities. The rice used in the ceremony came from the crops grown by the students in the school’s farm, with additional contributions from the students’ parents. This rice was offered as part of the spirit-calling ceremony, ensuring that the students would have fresh and delicious rice throughout the year for their school lunch program.
The Boon Kun Lan ceremony is a traditional event held annually at Ban Khao Mai Kaew School to pay respects to Phra Mae Posop (the rice goddess), asking for blessings and abundance. The event also provides encouragement to the farmers in the community and creates a space for people to set up booths selling local food, promoting income generation. The children also wore beautiful traditional outfits and participated in folk performances that are increasingly rare these days. They played, danced, and sang along to lively Molam music, which fostered community bonding and reflected the mutual support in society, offering both practical benefits and knowledge of customs and traditions. It helps preserve the spiritual heritage for future generations in the community.
Ban Khao Mai Kaew School has over 400 students across 25 acres of land, with an additional 7.5 acres of rice fields. The school also has fish ponds, chicken- and duck-raising facilities, and an organic vegetable farm where students can participate in activities aligned with the sufficiency economy philosophy. The school supports the Food Spirit School Model, which ties into the workshops of the Food Spirit project, under the support of ThaiHealth and INI Innovation Network International.