Phee Ta Khon : The Ghost Festival of Daan Sai
Part of a major merit making ceremony, Phee Ta Khon is a play held annually in the district of Daan Sai, Loei province, in conjunction with Ngarn Boon Phra Ves, the fourth lunar months - merit making event.
On this occasion, the faithful gather at the temple to hear the 13 sermons based on the last life of Bodhisattva, which they believe will earn them the merit to meet the Buddha in the next life. This particular event takes place in tandem with the fire-rocket launch organized as part of the merit-making ceremony of the sixth lunar month as a plea for seasonal rain.
The three-day ceremony is traditionally held after the 15th day of waning moon of the sixth month and usually falls on Saturday and Sunday.
Phee Ta Khon is term deviated from the original Phee Tarm Khon or Phee Ta Kone based on the spirits that are believed to be accompanying the Buddha on his send-off. The public is familiar with the fun aspect of the ceremony where people, generally boys and adults, are dressed as Phee Ta Khon in costumes comprising a mask, a long protruding nose, horns and the dress. The mask, made of bamboo steamer, is incorporated with the base of coconut stalk and cardboard cut to shape with holes punched for the eyes. The long nose that protrudes like an elephant's trunk is carved out of soft wood. Horns are made of dried coconut spikes.
Traditional motifs are painted with colors in accordance with the creators - creative imagination. All the components are then sewn together with the dress from fabric scraps although today's costumes no longer rely on scraps. As a result, some of the ghosts or "Phee" are dressed in colorful group uniforms.
This major three-day merit making ceremony and Phee Ta Khon play have now become and established festival popular with both the local people and foreigners. Not only will tourists enjoy the procession and take snapshots of the colorful Phee Ta Khons for keepsake, but they will also take part in a major merit making ceremony that will bring them good fortune amidst the friendly ambiance and simple lifestyle of the people of Daan Sai district.
