The Phi Ta Khon festival is unique to the Dan Sai district in Loei Province and reflects the local Isan belief in ghosts and spirits. Held once a year, it is part of a grand merit-making festival known as the “Boon Luang” is called Wan Ruam (the day of the gathering). This is when the locals dress up in flamboyant costumes and scary masks so they look like ghosts. The costumes are all handmade using strips of colorful cloth . The masks are made from dried sticky rice husks that are then painted to look like the faces of demons. There is a parade through Dan Sai which is great fun to watch – it gets quite boisterous. The local children love this event, and they like to get involved in the action.
The second day is Bun Bang Fai (บุญบั้งไฟ). There is another parade after which rockets are blasted into the sky. This is another fun occasion with plenty of dancing and merriment. The rocket festival is not unique to Dan Sai – it occurs elsewhere in Northeast Thailand as well. The purpose of firing these rockets into the sky is to encourage the rain to come. June is just before the planting season so lack of rain would be a disaster. – including the best dressed ghost.
The last day of Bun Luang is a more spiritual affair. It is common for people to attend Wat Ponchai where they listen to 13 sermons about the Lord Buddha.