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March 08, 2023

Sak Yant - Thailand's tattoo festival where sins are washed away

Thailand is a deeply religious country where animism, folk beliefs and Hinduism seep into the majority faith Buddhism.

Every year, thousands of devotees gather at Wat Bang Phra for the annual festival, which celebrates the traditional Sak Yant tattoos.

Wearers believe the intricate ink brings them good luck and protection from harm.  They flock to the festival so monks can bless and "recharge" their tattoos, while some receive new ones via long metal needles with countless small jabs. 

The symbols favored by devotees vary from astrological signs, wild animals or inscriptions in Pali and Sanskrit.

Photo: AFP

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UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia