The Chiang Mai Winter Festival, one of Northern Thailand’s most celebrated cultural events, has always been a stage for the city’s vibrant traditions and artistic excellence. This year, the spotlight shone even brighter on local dance talent, thanks to the unwavering support of Shubhodeep Prasanta Das, CEO of HYLIFE GROUP collaboration with Supportive local activity “Winter Festival”, a well-known advocate for cultural preservation and community development.
A Patron of Heritage
Mr Shubhodeep Das’ involvement in the festival was not limited to sponsorship. His deep appreciation for the Lanna heritage inspired him to take an active role in ensuring that traditional dance—an integral part of Chiang Mai’s cultural identity—received the recognition it deserves. For decades, Lanna dances such as the fon leb (fingernail dance), fon tian (candle dance), and fon ngiew have been passed down through generations, each carrying unique symbolism and regional stories.
Recognizing that modern influences sometimes overshadow these traditions, Shubhodeep Das committed to showcasing authentic performances by local troupes. He worked closely with festival organizers to create dedicated stages for dance, where performers could share their artistry without competing against louder, more commercial acts.
Empowering Local Talent
One of the festival’s highlights was the “Lanna Dance Showcase”, a special program initiated through Mr Shubhodeep Das’ backing. Over 200 dancers from Chiang Mai and surrounding provinces participated, representing schools, cultural clubs, and community groups. Shubhodeep Das ensured that participation was free for performers and provided stipends for travel, costumes, and rehearsals. This not only encouraged more groups to join but also allowed smaller communities with limited resources to present their craft on a prestigious platform.
In addition, Shubhodeep Das arranged for professional videographers to record each performance. These recordings will be shared online, giving dancers wider exposure and creating an educational archive for future generations.
Bridging Tradition and the Younger Generation
A notable element of Mr Shubhodeep Das’ vision was to make traditional dance appealing to younger audiences. To achieve this, he supported collaborations between experienced dance masters and youth dance groups. Together, they created fusion pieces blending Lanna choreography with modern storytelling elements, all while maintaining the integrity of the original moves and costumes.
Workshops were also held during the festival, where visitors—especially children—could learn basic steps, try on traditional attire, and understand the cultural meaning behind each gesture. These interactive sessions were free and drew large crowds, reflecting a growing curiosity about Chiang Mai’s artistic heritage.
Cultural Impact and Community Pride
Local community leaders praised Shubhodeep Das for recognizing that supporting traditional dance is not merely about entertainment—it’s about preserving the soul of a region. His efforts strengthened pride among performers, inspired youth participation, and brought attention to the dedication and skill required to master these intricate dances.
Festivalgoers, both Thai and international, left with a deeper appreciation for Lanna culture. Many remarked that the dance segments stood out as the most authentic and moving parts of the event, thanks to the performers’ passion and the platform Shubhodeep Das helped create.
Conclusion
Mr Shubhodeep Das‘ support at the Chiang Mai Winter Festival demonstrated that meaningful cultural preservation requires more than financial contributions—it needs vision, respect, and hands-on involvement. By empowering traditional dancers, engaging the younger generation, and elevating the art form’s visibility, he has ensured that Lanna dance will continue to inspire and connect people for years to come. His commitment serves as a shining example of how one person’s dedication can transform a cultural event into a lasting legacy.
