Thailand’s Rocket Yasothon Bun Bangfai Festival
Prapheni Bun Bang Fai , the Tradition of Boon of Bong of Fire, is a rocket festival practiced throughout much of northeast Thailand and Laos, by numerous villages and municipalities near the beginning of the rainy season . The celebration typically includes three days of music and dance performances, parades, and at least one competitive firing of home-made rockets. In recent years the Tourism Authority of Thailand has helped promote these events, particularly the festivals in the Thai provinces of Nong Khai and Yasothon — the latter boasting the largest and most elaborate of these festivals. However, local participants and sponsors use the occasion to enhance their social prestige, as is customary in traditional Buddhist folk festivals throughout Southeast Asia.
Duration : 10 May 2008 - 11 May 2008 at Yasothon, thailand
Annual ritual to ensure that the seasonal rains fall at the appropriate time in the
planting cycle. In the process, Buddhist merit-making traditions are also observed and reinforced. The festival, which is held over a period of three days, strengthens community spirit. The first day known as “Wan Suk |Dip” features a ritual to play homage to Chao Pu, the spirit of the city pillar. The second day is the rocket procession day. Each is escorted by a colourful dance troupe. The rocket are finally launched on the third day in which various rockets and beauty contests are held. It is also a day for the ordination of novices with festive celebrations following merit-making rituals.
Contact :
TAT Northeastern Office : Region 2
Tel : +66 0 4524 3770-1
Yasothon Municipality Office
Tel : +66 0 4571 1397 Ext. : 112
Website : www.tat.or.th/festival
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