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Tuesday, January 21, 2025
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Xayaboury Readies to Host Masked Ghosts Festival

This Week

Xayaboury Province is set to host the traditional Phi Ta Khon Festival– or Masked Ghost Festival, from 5 to 12 February at Sibounhueng Temple in Yai Village. This annual event is a highlight of the region, combining the popular Boun Pha Vet Festival–or Prince Vessantara Festival, with the unique tradition of Phi Ta Khon, or “masked ghosts.”

The roots of the Phi Ta Khon Festival trace back to the Buddhist tale of Prince Vessantara, or commonly called Phavet by Lao People. In Buddhist tradition, Prince Vessantara is revered for his boundless generosity. 

According to the legend, when the prince returned to the city after years of exile in the forest, he was accompanied by spirits and forest guardians for protection. This procession of “ghosts” symbolized the bond between the spiritual and human worlds.

The Lao saying “Phi tam khon,” meaning “ghosts follow people,” reflects this tale. Over generations, the phrase evolved into “Phi Ta Khon,” and the procession of masked figures became a unique feature of Xayaboury’s Boun Pha Vet celebrations.

The masks used in the festival symbolize the creativity and imagination of Paklai’s ancestors. Made from bamboo, the masks are characterized by their oversized heads, long noses, extended tongues, and exaggerated ears. They are often inscribed with playful or romantic phrases in Lao, representing the joyous and lighthearted spirit of the festival.

These masked figures, dressed in colorful attire, parade through the streets, making unique sounds and bringing life to the festival. 

For the people of Xayaboury, the Phi Ta Khon Festival is more than just a celebration; it is a way to preserve and pass down their cultural heritage to future generations.

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