Pattani’s Khok Pho District has again organized a ceremony from ancient times aiming to boost harmony between Buddhists and Muslims who are residents in the area.

The event was held on Saturday at a local school in Thoong Phla sub-district. Several hundred Buddhists and Muslims who are all villagers of Thoong Phla, participated in the ceremony to pay respect to the holy spirits of the paddy field and ask for their blessings for new and abundant harvests.

There were many activities in the event — a parade of scarecrows made from straws of rice, local traditional games and a beauty pageant. The event had been held in the past in Khok Pho as a recreational activity after the back breaking task of harvesting. However, it was halted for quite some time, until Khok Pho district revived the tradition 21 years ago, and re-established its popularity.