Inthakhin is an annual festival held in Chiang Mai. It celebrates the worship of the grand city pillar and the giving of offerings.
King Mangrai first constructed the pillar in 1296 following the city’s foundation and was later moved to its current location inside a shrine in 1800.
Inthakhin Festival 2025 Dates, Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
The event draws thousands of people daily, especially in the evening when the crowds throng Wat Chedi Luang to pay respects and make merit. In addition to paying homage to the city pillar, it’s also a chance to respect all Buddha images, including the Fon Saan Haa Buddha, which is paraded through the streets in a colourful ceremony at the start of the festival. The name of this Buddha translates as ‘100,000 raindrops’, and during the parade, the sprinkling of lustral water on the image encourages rain for the crops.
The road outside Wat Chedi Luang is lined with food stalls; inside there is a mini-fairground and a stage with displays of traditional Thai dancing and music. There are also plays depicting the ancient legends of the region.
Lines of people queue up to make merit and pay respects to the Buddha images situated all around the Wat Chedi Luang compound. However, only men can enter the shrine housing the city pillar. Women are obliged to light their candles and place their flowers outside the shrine.
The temple is located on Soi Inthakhin, off Inthawarorot Road, in the centre of the old city near the Three Kings Monument.
Just behind the statue is the Cultural Hall. In this area, the original Wat Sadue Muang temple was located, and the city pillar originally resided before being moved to Wat Chedi Luang.
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