Phi Ta Khon Festival
Phi Ta Khon, sometimes known as Ghost Festival, is the biggest attraction in Dan Sai, Loei Province of northern Thailand. The events last for three days and although varying from year to year but it usually fall in between March and July.
The exact date is annually determined by two mediums - Jao Por Guan and Jao Mae Nang Tiam. Phi Ta Khon Festival is a part of the bigger celebration called Bun Luang including Bun Bang Fai (the rocket festival to bring rain).
The first day of the festival is marked with a grand procession of boys and men in their flamboyant costumes and masks. The costumes are colorful handmade clothes patched from old rags. The masks are made from dried stick rice husks that are then painted to look like the faces of demons. The second day witnesses another small parade and then small rockets are blasted into the air to pray for rain. There are also several activities held in the second day such as dancing, ghost dress competition. On the last day, people will gather at the local temple to listen to 13 sermons about Buddha recited by Buddhist monks.
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