This festival is celebrated in Dam Sai during the end of June or at
the beginning of July to make Buddhist merit and call for rain.
Young men and boys are dressed up as Phi Ta Khon, or sprits in robes
of patchwork rags and wear painted masks. They dance joy-ously in
the procession and make playful jibes at onlookers.
Pilgrimage to Phra That Din Thaen
Phra That Din Thaen is a large heap of soil assembled by the
faithful more than 200 years ago. On the 14th-15th
days of the waxing moon in November, people in Ban Saeng Pha in Na
Haeo and nearby villages, make pilgrimages to this sacred place.
Various entertainment is performed throughout the night.
Annual Celebration at Phra That Si Song Rak
The annual festival at this sacred and greatly revered religious
site is the most significant religious celebration for both the Thai
people in Loei and nearby provinces and the Laotian people living on
the other side of the Hueang River. This festival is held on the 15th
day of the waxing moon in May, which is believed to be the day on
which the Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and passed way. On
this day, people sit around the Phra That, and pass bundles of
candles three times. A number of men are ordained on this occasion,
as it is believed that those ordained on the ground of this sacred
place will attain great virtues.
Ton Dok Mai Parade
This festival is believed to date back to the construction of Phra
That Din Thaen 200 years ago, On 13th April, people in
Ban Saeng Pha in Na Haeo divide themselves into groups to jointly
make Ton Dok Mai, which are religious offerings made of bamboo and
decorated with flowers, candles and basic necessities for monks. At
night, people carry their own Ton Dok Mai to Wat Si Pho Chai at the
center of the village.
End of Buddhist Lent
As a center of business and trading along the Mekong River, Chiang
Khan has brought forth wealth and prosperity to most residents. The
End of Buddhist Lent is thus celebrated here with more pomp and
fanfare than in other places. On the 11th day of the
waxing moon to the 1st day of the waning moon in October,
people enjoy themselves with candle-lit boat floatation, candle
decorated caravan competitions and long boat racing along the Mekong
River.
