Phi Ta Khon Festival

The Phi Ta Khon Festival is held in the Dan Sai district of Loei province, about 450km north of Bangkok. Part of the Buddhist festival of Boon Luang, celebrations include religious and merit-making rituals, sermons, processions and folk music.

Villagers don ghost-like masks and shrouds and dance their way in a procession to the temple where they fire off bamboo rockets. Along the way, monks recite the story of the Buddha's last incarnation before attaining enlightenment. Huge masks carved from the bases of coconut trees are also an integral part of the celebrations.

Although the origins of Phi Ta Khon are obscure, many think that its roots revolve around a tale of the Buddha's last life. According to Buddhist folklore, the Buddha-to-be was born as Prince Vessandorn, a generous man who gave away a white elephant - revered as a symbol of rain. His neighbouring villagers were so angry for fear of drought and famine, that they banished Vessandorn into exile.

When he eventually returned (when the King felt guilty and summoned him home), his people welcomed him back with a celebration so loud that even the dead were awakened from their slumbers to join in the festivities.