Tai Loei Local Wisdom: The Phi Ta Khon Festival in Dansai District, Loei Province and Changes in the Modern Era

Abstract

This research article aims to 1) study the local wisdom of the Phi Ta Khon festival in Dansai District, Loei Province, and 2) study the changes in the local wisdom of the Phi Ta Khon festival in Dansai District, Loei Province, in relation to modern-day transformations. The research area is Dansai Subdistrict, Dansai District, Loei Province. Qualitative tools include in-depth interviews, focus groups, and brainstorming workshops, with data analyzed using descriptive content analysis.
The research findings are as follows:
1. The study of the local wisdom of the Phi Ta Khon festival in Dansai District, Loei Province: 1.1) In the past, after the Phi Ta Khon festivities were completed, villagers would throw the masks into the Man River, believing it would cast away evil spirits; 1.2) to preserve and restore the Phi Ta Khon festival, the village leader (Phor Guan) would set the event date. The masks were made from local materials such as coconut leaves, and old sticky rice steamers were used for the mask’s head. People who joined the event as spiritual devotees were usually the elderly; 1.3) in the past, knowledge was passed down orally by elders and local sages; 1.4) economically, the tradition was once limited to the local community and observed strictly for its ritual purposes; 1.5) efforts were made to preserve the tradition’s authenticity due to strong beliefs in ancient rituals, even as new cultural elements emerged; 1.6) in the past, the event was performed with strict adherence to rituals, including the attire. The costumes were made from old monk robes and leftover clothes, maintaining a traditional lifestyle.
2. The changes in the local wisdom of the Phi Ta Khon festival in Dansai District, Loei Province: in ancient times, the tradition was held to invite Phra Upakut (a revered Buddhist figure) to drive away evil spirits and to escort the arrival of Phra Vessantara to the city. A procession would carry the Phor Guan atop rockets, circling the temple three times. The Phi Ta Khon festivities started early in the morning, mostly centered at Wat Phon Chai. Changes in recent times include adjusting the event schedule to weekends to attract tourists. 2.1) The tradition has changed in belief; after the event, masks are now kept at home for reuse the following year; 2.2) efforts to preserve the tradition’s uniqueness continue, with the event now being held over weekends. Spiritual devotion, such as ordination as lay practitioners, now attracts people of all ages. 2.3) Today, exhibitions on the Phi Ta Khon festival are organized in educational institutions, with promotion through various social media channels. Government and private organizations also take part in the event’s management. 2.4) Economically, with the involvement of public and private sectors, the tradition has become a source of income for the community. 2.5) There is a fusion of the tradition with modern culture, using technology and new media to promote the event, including live broadcasts on social media. 2.6) The tradition has adapted to modern societal changes. The government now manages the event, adding modern musical instruments and parade trucks to appeal to younger generations. The costumes of the Phi Ta Khon have been standardized with bright, vivid colors, transforming the event into a "Phi Ta Khon Party."