On November 23-25, 2012, Dr. Linda S. McIntosh is leading a study excursion to observe a Chulakathin merit-making festival in Chiang Rai province. This is an opportunity for culture and textile enthusiasts to observe and perhaps participate in the Chulakathin merit-making festival taking place in Chiang Khong District after the end of Buddhist Lent. In a Chulakathin, cotton specifically cultivated for the ritual is processed into woven fabric in a 24-hour period. The woven cloth to be used as monks’ robes is immediately donated to the host temple. Members of the community carry out various stages of cotton thread and cloth production, including cotton ginning, dyeing, and weaving. Others provide food and entertainment to keep the atmosphere joyous while everyone works to complete their tasks into the night.
Excursion participants will partake in a khantoke, or northern Thai traditional dinner, and observe traditional entertainment. Visits to temples and textile museums are also planned in Chiang Rai City.
To receive more information or to book your participation, please e-mail [email protected].
