It is devoted to appeasing the rain gods before the crop season. On the first day rocket teams with self-made bamboo rockets participate in a parade with dancers in colourful costumes singing a prayer to ask the gods to send rain paying respect to the pillar shrine. At the end of the day there is music everywhere, various shows and a beauty contest. On the second day there is the Buddhist merit-making ceremony followed by a big procession of large carts with rockets accompanied by folk dancers parading along the streets. There are various kinds of rockets carrying different gunpowder weight. On the third day the rockets are fired and the people enjoy the fair. During the 3-day festival guests can watch the rehearsal of Bang Fai parades and floats, observe the competitions of rocket shootings and light-and-sound multimedia show.
Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Festival to be Held from 11 to 13 May
News in Asia
Bun Bang Fai Festival, another name for which is the rocket festival, takes place in Isan, northeastern region of Thailand, with the biggest celebrations in Yasothon, and lasts 3 days around the middle of May every year before the beginning of the rain season and crop planting.