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The Story Behind the “Phra That Doi Suthep Ceremonial Cloth”: How CMU Faculty of Fine Arts Students Pass Down Art, Faith, and Tradition

3 November 2026
Corporate Communication and Alumni Relations Center (CCARC)
Stretching more than 50 meters, the ceremonial cloth carried up Doi Suthep tells a story far beyond art. It represents faith, Lanna wisdom, student creativity, teamwork, and memories passed down through generations of Chiang Mai University students as part of CMU Trekking, the university’s long-standing freshmen welcoming tradition.

The Faculty of Fine Arts has incorporated the ceremonial cloth into its procession since 2002, adding it to the traditional offerings presented to Phra That Doi Suthep. According to Asst. Prof. Thianchai Aksorn-dissay, a lecturer in the Department of Thai Art and a CMU alumnus (Class of 1986), the initiative aimed to make the tradition more than a pilgrimage by giving students an opportunity to learn and experience Lanna art and culture through hands-on participation.

From Fabric to Collaborative Artwork

Each cloth is the result of extensive teamwork, from conceptualization and design to production and the ceremony itself. While earlier designs were painted by hand, later generations introduced screen printing and other techniques. The cloth, originally approximately 54 meters long, was later extended to around 65 meters to accommodate the designated area around the stupa.

Colors and Patterns with Meaning

The cloth traditionally features yellow, orange, or red, reflecting Buddhist traditions and the colors of monastic robes. In 2022, marking the Faculty of Fine Arts' 40th anniversary, a red cloth was created using the faculty's signature color.

Patterns change each year according to the faculty's chosen theme, incorporating auspicious motifs, traditional Lanna designs, Buddhist disciples, and Buddha images. For 2026, the theme draws inspiration from the culture of the Nanhai (South China Sea) region, exploring the blending of Chinese and local artistic traditions.

A Tradition That Connects Generations

Preparing the ceremonial cloth and other offerings requires many students working together in different teams. Senior students pass on their skills and experience to younger generations, while newcomers develop responsibility, patience, and teamwork. Beyond the finished artwork, the shared effort creates lasting friendships and memories.

Over time, CMU Trekking has evolved into a living cultural experience, with each faculty adding its own artistic and cultural identity to the procession. The Faculty of Fine Arts' ceremonial cloth is one example of how students actively preserve and reinterpret Lanna heritage.

Ultimately, the cloth is more than an offering or a work of art. It brings together faith, cultural heritage, and human connections—from one generation to the next. Every time it is carried up Doi Suthep and draped around the sacred stupa, it tells the story of generations of CMU students who came together to create something meaningful and pass it on.

Photo and information courtesy of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University (CMU FINE ART).
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