The Bun Luang and Phi Ta Khon Festival, one of Thailand’s well-known events, is set to take place from July 7 to 9 in the Dan Sai district, Loei province. Announced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the distinctive festival is celebrated with traditional rituals and exuberant masked parades that attract many visitors to the region each year.
The event begins with various ceremonial activities, including food offerings to monks and a summoning of spirits. The main attraction, the Phi Ta Khon parade, will occur on the second day, featuring locals donned in eye-catching masks made from carved coconut tree trunks and topped with wicker sticky-rice steamers. The day also includes an official opening ceremony, merit-making activities, and the exciting firing of bamboo rockets.
On the third day, the focus shifts to spiritual teachings with the recitation of Phra Vessandorn’s thirteen sermons at Wat Phon Chai, where all villages in Dan Sai participate in a solemn parade. The festival also offers various cultural shows, a dance competition, live music, and special markets selling local crafts and food.
This annual event is a prominent feature on the northeastern cultural calendar and plays a major role in boosting local tourism and showcasing the area’s distinctive heritage. (NNT)
