Phi Ta Khon Festival

The Phi Ta Khon has its origin in an ancient traditional Buddhist tale. It is said that when Vessandoron, the last incarnation of Buddha returned to his city, he was greeted by a delightful procession that even the spirits participated in. the word Phi means ghost and in the present time this festival is characterized by a large Parade. Young men wearing long masks of ghosts participate in this procession. The parade is led by a Buddha image. The festival continues for two days and is held in many districts in Loei.

Features of the Phi Ta Khon Festival:
The Phi Ta Khon Festival begins in the morning as the people wearing ghost masks appear on the roads to tease the villagers. Later the large procession makes its way to the nearest temple.

The masks are made of coconut husks and are grotesque and often comical in appearance. These masks also have little bells attached to them as the ghosts dance and entertain the onlookers. The masks are hidden while they are being made and tradition demands that they should be kept in rice storage area.

On the second day of the Phi Ta Khon Festival, the monks recite the story of Buddha's reincarnation as the Parade continues.

The villagers gather at the nearby temple on the last day of the festival to listen the monk narrate the message of the 13 sermons by Buddha. After the festival ends, the ghost dancers stock their costumes for the next year.

On the whole, the festival is characterized by music, dance, color and mischief!

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