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Phi Ta Khon Festival |
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The Phi Ta Khon festival is unique to the Dan Sai district in
Loei Province and reflects the local Isan belief in ghosts and
spirits. Held once a year, it is part of a grand merit-making
festival known as the "Boon Luang" festival.
The origins of
the Phi Ta Khon Festival can be found in the tale of Lord
Buddha's last great incarnation before attaining Enlightenment.
In Buddhist accounts, it is said that when Prince Vessandara,
the Buddha's penultimate incarnation, returned to his city, it
was such a joyous occasion that the village spirits came forth
to join the welcoming parade. This very colourful and vibrant
Phi Ta Khon procession is the central focus of the celebrations.
In a lively re-enactment of the tale, the young men of the
community dress up as "spirits" wearing long trailing costumes
made from colourful strips of cloth sewn together.
The
hideous-looking Phi Ta Khon mask which is made of dried sticky
rice husk is painted in bright red, green or other colours, and
features the characteristic long pointed nose. This completes
the transformation. The clanging sound of the square cowbells
worn around the waist announces the presence of the spirits who
wield phallic-shaped long-handled swords decorated with red
paint. The good-natured, fun-loving spirits mingle among the
crowd, teasing and amusing all who take part in the procession.
Spectators and visitors are welcome to join in the fun.
There
are two types of "spirits" featured in the Phi Ta Khon
procession namely the "Phi Ta Khon Yai" — the supreme Phi Ta
Khon, and the "Phi Ta Khon Lek", the ones that are commonly
found. The making of the Phi Ta Khon Yai involves the
performance of a sacred ritual to seek the blessings of the
supreme powers before work on the Phi Ta Khon Yai masks can be
initiated. It is also a task reserved exclusively for the
descendants of families in which the tradition of making Phi Ta
Khon masks has been practised for several generations. The Phi
Ta Khon Yai is made of bamboo and is dressed in either male or
female attire. |
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Loei |
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District |
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Dan Sai |
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City |
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Dan
Sai |
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Genre |
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Festival |
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Opening time |
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N/A |
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Entry fee |
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Free |
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GPS : |
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17.27464, 101.14891 |
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