Schedule
: Around June-July (depending on the spiritual guidance
of Chao Pho Kuan)
Venue
: Amphoe Dan Sai, Loei
Origin
:
Phi Ta Khon is a folk play in the "Bun Luang" fair that
is the major merit-making event of Amphoe Dan Sai. Apart
from entertainment, locals regard the ceremony as a way
to ask for rain. The highlight of the event is the costume
that people wear. Locals will wear ghost masks made of dried
sticky rice husk and painted with bright colors. The dress
is made from patches of many pieces of cloth, with holes
to put hands through. Each ghost carries its own weapon
and has "Mak Kalaeng," which are metal bell-shaped pieces,
tied to the waist.
Activities
:
- Ceremony to bless the event with consecrated rocks taken
from a river.
- Processions of Chao Pho Kuan, Chao Mae Nang Thiam, Pho Saen,
Nang Taeng, and small and large Phi Ta Khon.
- All the ghosts will join the procession bearing Phra Wetsandon
into the city and a rocket procession will join as well.
- Phi Ta Khon dance contest.
- Agricultural produce contest.
- Stores selling goods and cultural performances.
| Nearby
Tourist Spots : |
| -
Phra That Si Song Rak (Dan Sai) |
| |
was
built to mark the mutual assistance between Ayutthaya
and Si Sattana Khanahut (Vientiane). The temple has
a Tibetan-style Buddha image in the Nak Prok posture. |
| -
Phu Luang (Phu Luang) |
| |
is
a wildlife reserve with a cool climate all year round. |
| -
Phu Kradung National Park (Phu Kradung) |
| |
is
very popular among tourists because of its beauty. Pine
trees abound here, interspersed with plains and jungles
along streams. Visitors can find many lovely waterfalls
here. |
| -
Phu Rua National Park (Phu Rua) |
| |
is
a high mountain that has a plain at the peak. There
are many pine trees here and a cliff that juts out like
the bow of a large junk. |
| For
more information, contact : |
| -
Amphoe Dan Sai, Loei. |
| |
Tel.
(042) 833209 |
