The ghost ceremonies actually begin on Friday when residents will first ask the god of the Mun River, Phra U-pakut, to protect them and their spiritual well-being for the coming year. This is followed by a parade in which people don ghost masks and patchwork clothes.
While the parade is on the move, many of the people in it wave carved and painted wooden penises around. The air of festivity is enhanced by the ringing of the bells participants tie around their waists.
The following two days of the festival typically includes games, donations of alms to make merit and the launch of colourful rockets. The exact origins of Phi Ta Khon have been shrouded by the mists of time, but folklore has it that it is based on a story about Buddha in one of his prior incarnations as Prince Vessantara.
Loei gets ready to welcome festival ghosts
News in Asia
A district of Thailand’s Loei Province is making the final preparations for its annual three-day ghost festival. Mediums in Dan Sai District have ascertained this weekend is the most favourable time of 2015 to stage what is known locally as the Phi Ta Khon Festival.