Buddhist bathing rituals are performed in accordance with ancient customs and traditions. Scented lustral water is sprinkled over sacred sites such as the 2,000-year old Phra That Phanom stupa — the most sacred and ancient monument of the Northeast and the landmark of Nakhon Phanom, holy footprints of Lord Buddha, temples, Buddha images as well as monks in a gesture of reverence. Religious rituals include the building of sand stupas and the tying of sacred string around the Phra That Phanom stupa. Folk games and traditional I-san folk performances create a colourful festive ambience.