Opening ceremony "Bun Bang Fai" festival in Non Daeng District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, held grandly to continue the Isan people's rain-calling tradition according to their beliefs.
On 3 May 2026 GMT+7, reporters covered the grand opening of the Bun Bang Fai festival held at Ban Don Yao School, Don Yao Yai Subdistrict, Non Daeng District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The event honored the city pillar spirit and sought rain from Phaya Thaen, the rain god, for the year 2026. Residents from various villages in Don Yao Yai Subdistrict enthusiastically organized their community's rocket parade.
The Bun Bang Fai tradition has long been intertwined with the Isan way of life, forming a strong cultural bond with the people. Every year, Isan communities celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm, especially in drought years when special ceremonies are held. The event is also seen as a merit-making occasion involving traditional rituals such as ordination ceremonies, Buddha image bathing, and sacred water sprinkling before Buddha statues, all rooted in ancient beliefs.
Additionally, the Bun Bang Fai festival offers an opportunity for villagers from different communities and subdistricts to come together in making merit through this traditional Isan festival, which takes place annually in the sixth lunar month or May before the rice planting season to pray for rain. Villagers form parades carrying rockets around the village in a festive atmosphere. They compete by launching their rockets, and the one that flies highest wins. Rockets that explode or fail to launch are considered losers, and their teams are playfully punished by being tossed into mud or sludge, adding to the fun.