Thai Deep South festival reflects meeting of cultures

2015.03.06

Women light incense in honor of Lim Ko Niew outside her shrine in Muang District, Pattani. BenarNews

People of all faiths gather to enjoy the festival from March 1 to 8. BenarNews

Local residents portray royal family members of Raya Kuning dynasty traveling by elephant. BenarNews

The goddess Lim Ko Niew is put on procession for people to pay respect. A statue of the deity is also taken for a plunge in the Pattani River. BenarNews

At night, spectators enjoy performances of local Muslim dances (pictured) and excerpts from the Hindu Ramayana epic, in front of the Lim Ko Niew shrine. BenarNews

Disciples of the Goddess Lim Ko Niew carry her image on a palanquin and brave fire to display supernatural power. BenarNews

Pattani Governor Weerapong Keaosuwan says the ceremony helps conserve local culture and promotes tourism. BenarNews

According to legend, Lim Ko Niew travelled to Pattani from China about 500 years ago to convince her brother, a Muslim convert, to return home. He refused, and vowed to finish building the Krue Se Mosque. She cursed his project and committed suicide. To date, the mosque has never been completed. Her shrine is located next to it.