04:03'Crazy and amazing' – Devout Buddhists get sacred tattoos, channel spirits at Wai Kru festival
Thousands of Buddhists participated in the annual tattoo festival in Nakhon Pathom on Saturday, which saw many receiving sacred markings and some even apparently becoming possessed by them.
Footage shows thousands of people praying near the Wat Bang Phra temple and having their bodies tattooed.
Others were seen impersonating animals and screaming, channeling the spirits of the creatures and deities depicted on their tattoos.
"It is so crazy. In the last three years, there was no festival because of COVID. I came here four years ago, it was so amazing. I want to come one more time. It is very nice," said one of the event participants.
The tattoos are hand-etched with a 'mai sak', a long bamboo stick, and the ink is comprised of an eclectic mix of ingredients, including snake venom and cigarettes.
They are believed to form powerful amulets to protect the bearers from physical harm and bring good fortune.
04:03Thousands of Buddhists participated in the annual tattoo festival in Nakhon Pathom on Saturday, which saw many receiving sacred markings and some even apparently becoming possessed by them.
Footage shows thousands of people praying near the Wat Bang Phra temple and having their bodies tattooed.
Others were seen impersonating animals and screaming, channeling the spirits of the creatures and deities depicted on their tattoos.
"It is so crazy. In the last three years, there was no festival because of COVID. I came here four years ago, it was so amazing. I want to come one more time. It is very nice," said one of the event participants.
The tattoos are hand-etched with a 'mai sak', a long bamboo stick, and the ink is comprised of an eclectic mix of ingredients, including snake venom and cigarettes.
They are believed to form powerful amulets to protect the bearers from physical harm and bring good fortune.