" Democratic city, spruce Bangfai, sweet water melon, triangle squab and the origin of the jasmine rice "

The weather, during this period, is quite changeable as ever, some day is very hot and some day is too cloud but you can see the rain as well in the summer time like this while the drought is spreading across "E-san", the northeast region of Thailand Also, at this stage, it's a time for growing rice in the area, so Boonbangfai, the Traditional Rocket Festival, which is set up to ask for a promise from "Phayathaen", a miracle worker, who will give rain to the human being to grow rice if he fires rockets into the sky, becomes an influence ritual and has been held until nowadays.

        We, the travel'in men, had a chance to visit the festival, which is held every years on the second weekend of May, two-day event, .at the province of Yasothom or Yotsoonthom in the past time. On the first day, the festival stated with the parades of Bangfaiae, decorated rocket that can't be fired. In addition, on the Jaengsanid Road, there were many contests there, Miss Bangfai Contest and Thai Dancing Parade Contests.The procession in the ceremony was very spectacular as they say. People from all walks of life in the province came to join the events which no conditions but to make a merit together. Our group was impressed and not disappointed by the events anymore.

        Early morning of the second day, a blue sky day, the festival was took place at Phayathaen's Garden, outer area of Yasothom. There, people from all over the country came and waited for watching the rockets so the atmosphere was better than the first day because the audiences and competitors were active and keen to show off their best job.Generally, Bangfai is classified into two classes, Bangfaisarnrnuen which has gunpowder not less than 36 kilos and Bangfaisaen which contains gunpowder 120 kilos up.

Starting the competition, the first rocket was fired into the sky and followed by non-stop rockets. The long white smoke from the Bangfais covered the dark blue sky while everyone was exciting and enjoying and some was playing mud or drinking whisky.

            Moreover, the precession of Seung and Fon, Thai-style dancing, were the funniest event for the audiences. When the queue of each rocket competitor came, supporters of his team would join hands to carry Bangfai to install on the base which was as high as two-storey building.And while waiting for setting up the rocket on the base, there was a step, called "Langbangfai", which is a final check to assure the rocket will run smoothly. Therefore, this step is so important. In some case, you'll see the rocket is to be exploded or doesn't move from the base but only has fumes, they call "Bangfaisue".

            Looking at Bangfai lighting, we were questioned that why did Bangfai hurl immediately after the judge said "one two three...go!' . To answer our doubt, we risked to watch closely and finally found the tactic that they used a power cord, 100 metre long, as a fuse to lighten the rocket. That is why Bangfai hurled fastly into the sky after the judge's voice. 

           How to win the game? Time, certainly, is the main criteria for judgment. The judge will use binoculars and check the time, starting from the rocket leaves the base until! it falls down. Who makes the record or longest time is the winner of the challenge.From hundred Bangfais, some was stationary and some was exploded in midair or even the rocket headed tothe crowd who ran away to survive. The highlight of the festival was not only Bangfai lighting but also the supporters who cheer enjoyably their teams by singing and dancing.

            When their teams made a good job, thunder roared would come out from their throats. And whenever Bangfaisue was occurred, the owner of the rocket would be thrown in the mud pond, but sometin1e who did the good record might be thrown either.Though Bangfai Festival of Yasothom is being faded but, for us, it's the memorable and unforgettable trip that we've never touched before and can't buy it from anywhere else.

However, the traditional festival is still an image of Yasothorn as long as the people of the province realize that the tradition is their own unique dignity but it shows their unity also.