Phi Ta Khon (; phǐi taa khǒn; ) is a festival held in Dan Sai, Loei province,

Isan Northeast Thailand or Isan (Isan language, Isan/, ; ; also written as Isaan, Isarn, Issarn, Issan, Esan, or Esarn; from Pāli ''isāna'' or Sanskrit ईशान्य ''īśānya'' "northeast") consists of 20 provinces in northeastern Thai ...

, Thailand. The events take place over three days sometime between March and July, the dates being selected annually by the town’s mediums. The whole event is called ''Bun Luang'', part of a Buddhist merit-making holiday also known as ''Bun Phawet'' (assembly day). The town’s residents invite protection from ''Phra U-pakut'', the spirit of the Mun river. They then hold a series of games and take part in a procession wearing

mask A mask is an object normally worn on the face, typically for protection, disguise, performance, or entertainment, and often employed for rituals and rites. Masks have been used since antiquity for both ceremonial and practical purposes, ...

s made of the sheaths or bottom part of thick palm leaf stems. Bamboo sticky rice steaming baskets are stitched onto the tops of the sheaths to make the top section of the mask. Artists paint the masks with very creative and intricate designs and add carved wooden noses and ear-like appendages. The dancers wear loose and colorful patchwork pants and shirts, with strings of bells hanging down from their belts, in the back. They tease the spectators with big wooden phalluses. The origins of this part of the festival are traditionally ascribed to a story of the Vessantara Jataka in which the

Buddha Siddhartha Gautama, most commonly referred to as the Buddha (),* * * was a wandering ascetic and religious teacher who lived in South Asia during the 6th or 5th century BCE and founded Buddhism. According to Buddhist legends, he was ...

in one of his past lives as a prince made a long journey and was presumed dead. The celebrations on his return were so raucous as to wake the dead. Phi Ta Khon Festival - Thailand Tourism
The second day of the festival incorporates elements of the

Rocket Festival A rocket (from , and so named for its shape) is a vehicle that uses jet propulsion to accelerate without using any surrounding air. A rocket engine produces thrust by reaction to exhaust expelled at high speed. Rocket engines work entirely fr ...

, plus costume and dance contests and more parades. On the third and final day, the villagers listen to sermons from Buddhist monks.

References

External links

{{commonscat, Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival
The Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival - Assumption University

Thai folklore Buddhist festivals in Thailand Isan culture Buddhist holidays March observances April observances May observances June observances July observances Holidays and observances by scheduling (varies)

See also

References

External links