The annual ceremony aims to preserve and revive Lanna cultural traditions while raising funds to construct new restrooms for monks, novices and the elderly at the temple. Plans include one restroom for monks, four for women, two for men, and six urinals behind the newly built Phra Mahathat Chedi.
In preparation for the event, association members, elders and youth gathered at the temple yesterday (Sept 19) to begin assembling the kuai salak baskets, weaving bamboo containers, decorating salak trees and preparing food and consumer goods. A total of 215 kuai salak boxes are being prepared, each filled with rice, dried food and daily necessities to be offered during the merit-making ceremony.
Women’s groups from Srisoonthorn and nearby areas also joined in the preparations, which included practicing traditional northern dances to be performed during the celebration on Saturday, Sept 27, and on the main merit-making day, Sept 28.
The Phuket-Andaman Northerners Association, established nearly 30 years ago by people from 17 northern provinces who settled in Phuket and neighbouring areas, has since grown into an active cultural and social organisation, explained an official report of the event.
Over the decades, the association has worked closely with groups across Southern Thailand and the Northeast to host cultural events, sports, charity projects and community activities.
The Tan Kuai Salak tradition, deeply rooted in Lanna culture, involves offering specially prepared baskets ‒ known as kuai salak ‒ to monks as a way of making merit for deceased relatives and ancestors. The baskets are woven from bamboo, lined with turmeric and banana leaves, and filled with food, daily goods, flowers, and symbolic items such as candles and cigarettes. A note inside dedicates the offering to the deceased.
There are three forms of kuai salak: ‘kuai noi’, smaller baskets for dedicating merit to ancestors or even pets; ‘large kuai’, special baskets for parents or elders; and ‘salak chok’, tall tree-like structures decorated with household items, clothing, food and money.
The association will hold cultural performances, including northern music and dance, on the evening of Sept 27 ahead of the merit-making. Traditional northern cuisine prepared by chefs from the region will also be featured. The main offering and chanting ceremony will take place at Wat Manik the following morning, Sept 28.
Organisers said the event not only preserves a cherished Lanna tradition but also provides an opportunity for the community to come together in merit-making while supporting the temple’s development.