Chinese pilgrims and tourists from neighbouring Malaysia are heading to the seaside town of Pattani to attend the Lim Ko Niao Goddess Celebration, which runs until Feb 27.
On Saturday, the highlight is a majestic sedan-chair procession that transports sacred statues of goddess Lim Kor Niao and other deities such as Chao Mae Tubtim, Chao Pho Tiger, Guan Yin and Guan Yu through the streets before bathing them in the Pattani River. It is believed to bring good fortune and wealth to residents.
In the late afternoon, visitors can gather on the ceremonial ground in front of the shrine and witness a breathtaking fire-walking ceremony. Encircled with red fencing and off limits to women, hundreds of barefoot men will be sprinkled with holy water before embarking on a flaming path of charcoal, rice and paper talismans.
The Thailand International Lion Dance competition will be…
