Annually in Isan, the northeastern province of Thailand, a very picturesque event takes place for three days. It is Bun Luang and Phi Ta Khon Festival – a combination of a merit-making event and the Rocket Festival.
This massive undertaking attracts a lot of visitors to see the ceremonial procession of disguised local people wearing fanciful ghost masks made of carved coconut trees trunks with sticky rice on top. Small and big groups of dancers move around creating the atmosphere of pleasure and amusement. Among the activities are asking for protection of the spirit of the Mun River, blessing ceremony, listening to thirteen stories of the Buddha’s incarnations at Wat Phon Chai temple.
The origin of the festival is believed to ascend to a fertility festival. It is as popular as the Bun Bang Fai rocket festival.Other activities during the festival include cultural events – shows on the stage, live music performances, several contests, a Phi Ta Khon mask dance competition among them. There are local products – food and handicrafts, handmade items and idea products created by Dan Sai and Loei people on sale at special markets.
Unique Event in Loei Province – Bun Luang and Phi Ta Khon Festival to Be Held on June 16-18
News in Asia
One of the most colourful and unusual of all the festivals in Thailand, Phi ta Khon, this year will be held on June, 16-18, in Don Sak, Loei province, Thailand.