Bun Bung Fai Rocket Festival

Born of the traditional beliefs of the Isan people, the Bun Bung Fai Rocket Festival in Yasothon province, which takes place during the second week of May, is a merit-making ritual to ensure seasonal rains fall at the appropriate time during the planting cycle.

The festival, which is held over a period of three days, has been strictly observed by the residents of Isan for generations and is thought to help strengthen community spirit. On the first day, known as Wan Sook Dib, teams transport their rockets in a procession and pay homage to Chao Pu, the spirit of the city pillar. Each group features a colorful dance troupe.

Beautifully-decorated rockets are mounted on vehicles or traditional carts and drawn in a parade on the second day of the festival.  The rockets come in different sizes – Bung Fai Meun containing 12 kilograms of nitrate while a Bung Fai Saen has 120 kg. It is important that the “technicians” get the correct mix of nitrate and charcoal to ensure the rocket does not explode prematurely. The rocket cylinders are generally made from bamboo. On this day, novices are ordained and festive celebrations take place following merit-making rituals.

On the third day, the rockets are finally launched, and various competitions take place and predictions are made with regard to the fortune of the upcoming harvest. The festival is spectacular and provides a superb opportunity to experience “Isan-style” festive fun.

For further information, contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s Northeastern Office (Region 2) in Ubon Ratchathani on Tel: +66 (0)45 243 770.