Phitakon 2048
A 3am start kicks off one of strangest and spectacular festivals in the Thai calendar. Located in the small town of Dhan Sai the Pee Tah Kohn Festival is a re-enactment of a Thai legend.
In Buddhist accounts, it is said that when Prince Vessandara, the Buddha's penultimate incarnation, returned to his city, it was such a joyous occasion that the village spirits came forth to join the welcoming parade. Now the festival starts in the dead of night with a Shaman evoking the spirits of Phra Upakat and inviting it to take part in the proceeding.
Two days of festivities follow as the men of the town adorn themselves in elaborate spirit costumes and a parade along the streets. Before the villagers place the masks in the river so that the spirits leave the town in peace for another year.
A total of nineteen volunteers went along to witness this spectacle and take part in the festivities. After two days of celebrations, a journey to a temple on a hill, some work in the rice paddies and a chance encounter with a Thai celebrity left all involved with some unforgettable memories of an incredible weekend.
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It is now possible to divide your stay among a number of locations.
Set on the Sierra of Veracruz, Xalapa has been a great cultural region since pre-hispanic times.