Born of the traditional beliefs of the I-san people, the “Bun Bang Fai” Rocket Festival, the most celebrated of I-san’s merit-making rituals, has been strictly observed by the residents of I-san for generations. It is essentially an annual ritual to ensure that the seasonal rains fall at the appropriate time in the planting cycle. In this process, Buddhist merit-making traditions are also observed and reinforced.
The Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival is scheduled to be held from 5-9 May 2010 at Phaya Thaen Park, Yasothon province, about 531 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. Highlights of the celebrations being held this year include a procession of rockets mounted on traditional carts, a beauty pageant and OTOP product fair.
The festival, which is held over a period of three days, strengthens community spirit. The first day known as wan suk dip features lively processions as rocket teams transport the rockets in a procession and perform a ritual to pay homage to chao pu, the spirit of the city pillar. Each is escorted by a colouful dance troupe.
The second day is the rocket procession day. Modern-day rockets are mounted on vehicles or traditional carts to be drawn in the parade. The “Bang Fai” rockets come in different sizes, packing with one to 120 kilograms of nitrate. The rocket-making technicians play a vital role in deciding the right amount of nitrate to be mixed with the charcoal. With the wrong formula, a rocket could blow up prematurely before it is launched high into the sky. The rocket cylinder is usually made from the bottom half of the bamboo plant.
It is also a day for the ordination of novices with festive celebrations following merit-making rituals. Dance, music, song and revelry are integral elements of the processions as the parade of beautifully decorated rockets wind their way through the village on their way to the temple offering an opportunity for the residents and visitors to admire the impressive works of art.
The rockets are finally launched on the third day in which various rocket contests are held. With the launch of the rockets, predictions are made with regard to the fortunes of the coming harvest. The Rocket Festival in Yasothon Province is spectacular and provides a tremendous opportunity to experience I-san-style festive fun.
Source: Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department. Photo from Reuters.
i liked it. i am from finland but have wife from yasothon. i haven,t see the festival because gone already to finland. next year.. i really hope to feel the festifal.
aki