Kuan Khao Yaku Tradition of Ban Tai Community The tradition of making Khao Yaku, also known as "Madhupayas Khao Yaku," is a significant annual event for the Ban Tai community, Moo 2, Tambon Sikiew. The event takes place on the 7th day of the 12th lunar month every year at Wat Ko (Sikiew), the central place of worship for the local Buddhist community. The ceremony starts at 7:00 PM and ends at 12:30 AM, marking it as an important annual activity for the villagers.

 

Beliefs and Significance The tradition of making Khao Yaku is deeply rooted in Buddhist history, particularly the story of Princess Sujata offering Madhupayas Khao to the Buddha. After consuming the rice, the Buddha attained enlightenment. Today, making Khao Yaku symbolizes a form of merit-making to pray for the prosperity and good growth of rice crops. It is believed that Khao Yaku, as a divine food, can enhance wisdom, ensure longevity, and promote good health, while also warding off illnesses and fulfilling desires.

 

Divine Food: Khao Yaku is considered a sacred food with significant spiritual and physical benefits. It is believed to bestow wisdom, long life, and robust health upon those who consume it.

 

Blessing for Rice Crops: The ritual of making Khao Yaku during the time when rice is in the milky stage of growth is believed to bring blessings to the rice fields, ensuring a prosperous harvest and fostering agricultural success.

 

Universal Medicine: Khao Yaku is also regarded as a potent remedy with the ability to cure various ailments. Those who consume it are thought to receive health benefits and success in their endeavors.

 

Preparation of Participants: During the Khao Yaku ritual, virgin maidens, dressed in white and having taken the Five Precepts, participate to ensure purity and auspiciousness. Three people are selected to stir the rice for each pot.

 

Inviting Monks: Monks are invited to chant the Chaimongkol verse and use ritual items such as sacred threads tied to the stirring paddles.

 

The Stirring Ceremony: The virgin maidens stir the rice while a ceremonial bell is rung. Monks chant "Chaiyanto" from the beginning to the end of the stirring process, marking the completion of the ritual. Afterward, villagers can participate in the stirring.

 

Stirring Process: The stirring of Khao Yaku lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, requiring continuous stirring to achieve the desired consistency.

 

The preparation for making Khao Yaku involves at least three days of gathering equipment and ingredients. Four pots of Khao Yaku are typically stirred, with someone stirring continuously for about 9 hours. Once the stirring is complete, the Khao Yaku is offered to monks the following morning, coinciding with the 8th day of the 12th lunar month or the Great Sermon Day.

 

After the completion of the rituals, the remaining Khao Yaku is distributed to villagers who participated in the ceremony, as well as sent to various temples and given to friends and relatives. This act of sharing demonstrates mutual care and generosity within the community. Even those who did not participate in the stirring receive Khao Yaku as a token of goodwill.

 

Thus, the Khao Yaku tradition of the Ban Tai community is not only a religious and cultural practice but also a way to promote community unity and cooperation.