Loei to host ghost mask festival in June
published : 27 May 2021 at 04:00
Phi Ta Khon or the ghost mask festival.
The annual Phi Ta Khon festival will return to the Dan Sai district of Loei province next month. Known as the ghost mask festival, it is a popular event in the Northeast. It is held either in June or July depending on the decision of Chao Pho Kuan, a spiritual leader who conducts local ceremonies in Dan Sai.
This year, the event will be organised from June 11-13 at Wat Phon Chai where the Phi Ta Khon Museum is located.
Locals believe that the origin of the festival came from a Buddhist tale. It started when King Vessantara or King Vessandorn, one of Buddha's past lives, returned from meditation in a forest monastery to the city. His people came out to welcome him and among them were spirits that followed him joyfully from the forest to the city.