The most important Buddhist merit-making festival for Southern Thai people is the annual Tenth Month Festival, Sart Duan Sib, traditionally held towards the end of the 10th month of Thai lunar calendar (September/October).
Buddhist Thais believe that spirits of their ancestors, particularly ones that have not yet reincarnated, and the suffering spirits with no relative called ‘Prate’ (hungry ghosts) will be released from the underworld, from the 1st to the 15th day of the waning moon in the 10th lunar month.
This belief is fundamental to the practice of ancestors worship. During the 15 days, Thai family members and friends show their loyalty, gratitude, and respects to their ancestors by preparing sumptuous feast and making trips to nearby Thai temples to present ritual merit-making offerings.
Highlight of the offerings are 'Duan Sib' snacks, particularly make during this time of the year to offer to the spirits. Each snack represents different meaning and symbol.Good merits are then dedicated to their loved ones who have passed on to the spiritual realm, as well as to the visiting 'Prates' hungry ghosts.
Following to food offerings to monks, the people then give alms to Prates. Foods and snacks are put on a high post outdoor, so that Prates with very thin and tall body can reach them. Then the monks pray to call for the ghosts. After the ceremony, poor villagers or children will rush to snatch the foods and snacks, commonly known as ‘Shing Prate’.
Once the rituals and ceremonies have ended, it’s time for celebrations, song and dance. Folk art and culture takes centre stage. Temple grounds are transformed into the staging areas for a colorful fair with a traditional open-air market, folk music and dance, various forms of traditional folk entertainment as well as food stalls.
Activities staged are designed to strengthen community spirit.The temple setting provides a convincing backdrop for a journey back in time and provides a glimpse of rarely seen traditions and Thai way of life.