Gallery: Inky inclinations at the Wat Bang Phra Tattoo Festival
Thousands of believers and curious spectators from all over Thailand will head to Wat Bang Phra this Saturday for the annual sak yant festival, one of the country's most bizarre events, to pay respect to the temple's master tattooist monks.
Sak yant is the Thai term for the special tattoos that many claim bring spiritual and physical protection. Many believe that the tattoos, given by Wat Bang Phra's famous monks, have mystical powers. Common designs include monkeys, tigers and ancient Khmer/Cambodian script.
At the festival, some men will go into trances and act out the characteristics of the sacred animals that have been carved onto their skin.
To take in all the action, head to Wat Bang Phra in the Nakhon Chai Si district of Nakhon Pahom province, about 60km west of Bangkok. For a preview check out this gallery of photos taken at past tattoo festivals, including last year's.















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