and is the site of a large festival in early to mid April (depending on the moon). The Phanom Rung Festival is held each year to provide an opportunity for visitors to pay homage to the sanctuary on this special occasion. The entire area fills with festive locals performing traditional dance along with fireworks, food, sound and light shows in the evening. The main event of the festival is when the rising sun is framed by 15 of the temple doorways, an awe-inspiring spectacle that only happens once per year.