Bun Bang Fai, otherwise known as the rocket festival is one of Thailand’s most unusual and spectacular events. It is now being celebrated in Yasothon, a province in northeast Thailand.
The origin of Bun Bang Fai is linked to the god of rain, Phaya Thaen. Legend has it that one year the god forgot about Isan region and the resultant drought caused much hardship. Ever since, each year in early May the people of Isan launch homemade rockets to remind Phaya Thaen of their presence and ask him to produce precipitation over the land before planting season.
The event is being held in Phaya Thaen public park and features contests, including a team competition for the highest flying and the most sophisticated rockets, as well as a colorful parade, a light and sound show, and a rocket-making class. The festival continues until 13 May.