Rooted in both animist and Buddhist traditions, Thailand upholds numerous religious practices, each with its own beauty. Many are celebrated with deep faith and vibrant expression, such as Songkran, Loy Krathong, Buat Nak, Bun Bung Fai, and Phi Ta Khon.
This article takes us to Northern Thailand, where faith and folklore intertwine in a distinctive celebration that reflects values of respect, compassion, and community.

What is Tan Guay Salak?

To understand this tradition, it is helpful to know a few key terms. In the Northern dialect, tan (ตาน) means “to offer,” guay (ก๋วย) refers to a woven bamboo basket, and salak (สลาก) denotes palm leaves. Together, Tan Guay Salak (ตานก๋วยสลาก) means “the offering of the bamboo basket,” a unique form of merit-making.

Nationally, the tradition is known as Salak Phat (สลากภัต), while in the North it is called by various names, such as Tan Salak (ตานสลาก), Kin Khao Salak (กิ๋นข้าวสลาก), Kin Guay Salak (กินก๋วยสลาก), and Kin Salak (กิ๋นสลาก).

Before turning to the ritual itself, it is worth noting the types of guay. They are generally divided into two categories: guay noi (ก๋วยน้อย) and guay yai (ก๋วยใหญ่). The key difference is size. Guay noi is the small bamboo basket most often seen in the ritual, usually prepared individually and offered to the deceased. In contrast, guay yai is about twice as large, allowing for more offerings.

Occasionally, a special guay known as guay choke (ก๋วยโชค) is also observed. Considered the largest form, it may take the shape of a miniature house filled with offerings, or resemble a large tree with household items such as pillows, blankets, clothes, dried food, and even money hanging from its branches. Regardless of size or form, all guay are believed to bring fortune and auspiciousness to the givers.

Tan Guay Salak takes place during Khao Pansa (the Buddhist Lent), between September and October, when farming is finished and monks remain in their monasteries. This period allows people to set aside worldly concerns and turn to spiritual reflection. The celebration generally lasts a single day, but preparation often begins the day before. Thus, the process can be divided into two parts:

Wan Da (วันดา)

In the Northern dialect, da (ดา) means “to prepare.” On this day, townspeople make the guay and arrange offerings such as uncooked rice, flowers, dried food, betel leaves, cigarettes, and household items. These are placed inside the basket, wrapped with banana leaves or paper, and tied with a salak – a strip of palm leaf inscribed with the names of both the donor and the deceased. Finally, money is placed on top of the basket as a donation to the monks and temple.

Tan Guay Salak Day

The ritual begins early in the morning, when villagers bring their guay to the temple. The salak strips are collected and placed before the principal Buddha image for the ceremony, while the villagers wait outside. After the chanting, the strips are randomly assigned to the monks, who then identify the names written on them. The villagers proceed to present their guay to the monks before listening to prayers.

What makes Tan Guay Salak unique is that, unlike most forms of alms-giving, the offerings are not directed to a specific monk, nor can participants choose their recipient. This practice reflects the Buddhist principles of non-attachment and equanimity. By removing personal preference and expectation, it lessens selfishness and bias for both givers and receivers.

History and Legends

Tan Guay Salak is an ancient tradition that, according to believers, dates back to the time of the Buddha and has been passed down through generations. One legend tells of its origin:

While the Buddha was residing at the Jetavana Temple, a young woman carrying a baby ran to him for help. She said she was being pursued by a Yakshini, a spirit who had harbored vengeance against her for lifetimes. The Buddha gently taught the Yakshini, “Forgive and forget, do not hold a grudge.” Moved by his wisdom, the Yakshini repented and vowed to cease harming people.

Out of compassion, the young woman took the Yakshini into her care and provided for her. In gratitude, the Yakshini used her magical powers of foresight to help with farming, predicting rainfall and drought. As the young woman’s prosperity grew, villagers became curious and also sought the Yakshini’s guidance. Soon, the entire community flourished in agriculture.

In return, the people brought her food, clothing, and other necessities, until her dwelling overflowed with offerings. Wishing to share this abundance and make merit, the Yakshini devised the idea of lottery-like offerings. This, according to legend, became the origin of Salak Phat, the practice still observed today.

Values Behind the Celebration

The beauty of the Tan Guay Salak tradition goes far beyond the festive atmosphere and vibrant ceremonies filled with faith; at its heart lie profound values.

Respect and Gratitude

Thai culture emphasizes expressing love and gratitude toward parents and ancestors, both living and departed. It is believed that merits can be transferred to the deceased through prayers and offerings. The guay typically contains food, household items, and daily necessities, symbolically received and used by the spirits of the departed. This practice serves as an expression of remembrance and care, reflecting the heartfelt desire to support loved ones in the afterlife.

Compassion

The purpose of Tan Guay Salak extends beyond personal merit-making. It also supports the preservation of Buddhism through alms-giving to monks and donations to temples. Since offerings often exceed what is needed, the surplus is shared with fellow villagers and those in need. In this way, the tradition reflects not only devotion to Buddhism but also the compassion and generosity shared within the community.

Collectivity

As one of the major annual merit-making events, Tan Guay Salak often brings together participants from multiple villages. On the preparation day, the host village becomes lively with collective efforts to prepare offerings. On the ritual day, large gatherings fill the temple grounds, with monks from neighboring temples joining in. More than a religious practice, the tradition serves as a spiritual anchor, fostering harmony, cooperation, and a deep sense of togetherness.

Conclusion

Tan Guay Salak is a tradition that has endured through time, embodying the Thai way of life where animistic beliefs and Buddhist teachings intertwine. On the surface, it appears as a lively ceremony filled with faith and joy, yet at its core it carries profound values – respect and gratitude for family, compassion for others, and a spirit of collectivity.

As we have seen, the beauty and significance of Tan Guay Salak remain ever relevant. Fortuitously, this special event takes place every year. For those wishing to immerse themselves in Thai culture, to make merit while joining a celebration rooted in gratitude, compassion, and togetherness, participating in Tan Guay Salak is truly an experience not to be missed.

The story of Tan Guay Salak reflects a timeless aspect of Thai culture and heritage. The celebration embodies values of respect and gratitude toward ancestors, compassion through generosity, and collectivity that binds communities together. Join us as we continue to explore more stories from across Thailand and discover the rich diversity that shapes Thainess.

Sources :

• https://www.finearts.go.th/nanmuseum/view/45382-สลากภัต-หรือตานก๋วยสลาก
• https://www.silpa-mag.com/culture/article_38356
• https://ich-thailand.org/article/detail/63217a11b4ed5aa030321838
• https://www.royalparkrajapruek.org/Knowledge/view/328

Author : Ratsamheetum Noolar

Editor : Tayud Mongkolrat

Uploaded on 29 September 2025