Inthakin festival[edit]
The Inthakin or Lak Mueang Festival in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand (also known as Sai Khan Dok or Bucha Sao Inthakin in Thai), starts on the 12th day of the waning moon of the six lunar month and lasts 8 days. Centered around Wat Chedi Luang, this is a celebration of Brahmic origin. On the first day, which is called Tam Bun Khan Dok (lit. "Flower Bowl Blessing"), offerings of flowers, candles and incense are made to the city pillar as well as the many other Buddhist and Lanna-era icons. Dancing, musical performances, carnival games, and Thai vendor food is present. This is a very large celebration in which the Chiang Mai citizenry participate.
In 2012 Inthakin was on May 17-24, in 2013 it will be on June 5-12, in 2014 it will be held May 25-31.
The veneration of the city pillar was adopted from a ceremony of the Lawa people (the original inhabitants of northern Thailand) by the Thai Yuan ethnic group who built the city of Chiang Mai upon the foundations of an older Lua city.[2]