Annually, the Dan Sai district in Loei province, northeastern Thailand, hosts a vibrant cultural celebration known as the "Bun Luang and Phi Ta Khon" festival.
Phi Ta Khon is a vibrant Thai cultural festival that is part of a joyous tradition called the Boon Luang Festival (บุญหลวง), an important event for merit-making in northeastern Thailand (Isaan). This tradition is celebrated annually in the Dan Sai district, Loei province, during the rainy season, from late June to early July. This year, the unique Bun Luang and Phi Ta Khon festival will be held from July 7th to 9th.
The main ceremony takes place at Wat Phon Chai Temple. This costumed and masked procession attracts numerous curious visitors and tourists each year, who come to enjoy the three days of festivities.
The most iconic aspect of Phi Ta Khon is the colorful parade of locals wearing enormous, intricately carved masks made from coconut tree trunks. These masks are topped with woven sticky rice steamers, giving them a larger and more grotesque appearance.
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Apart from the distinctive masked procession that parades through the town, several additional activities are organized. These activities include traditional rituals and Buddhist ceremonies that take place at Wat Phon Chai. A prominent feature of these events is the recitation of the thirteen sermons of Phra Vessandorn, which narrate one of the Lord Buddha's earlier lives.
This extraordinary celebration is enhanced by various competitions, such as the captivating Phi Ta Khon mask dance contest. Special markets showcase local culinary delights and handmade crafts, while concerts and vibrant cultural performances captivate visitors, creating a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrate the region's heritage.
On the first day, activities typically include offering food to the temple monks, a spirit invocation ceremony, as well as cultural ceremonies and theatrical performances.
On the second day, the festival's official opening ceremony will take place in front of the Dan Sai district office. This will be followed by a spirit invocation, the grand Phi Ta Khon parade, and merit-making activities. To conclude the day, there will be a mesmerizing launch of bamboo rockets.
On the third day, thirteen consecutive Buddhist sermons will be delivered at Wat Phon Chai, followed by sermons from all the villages in the Dan Sai district.
The tradition of Phi Ta Khon reflects the profound bond of the Thai people to nature and their ancestors, expressing their respect for the spirits and angels of the town. Later integrated into Buddhism, it has now also become a tourist attraction for Loei, while remaining a joyful celebration that unites the community and inspires peace and hope.
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