Great Balls Of Fire

Not many countries in the World can hold an annual natural phenomenon, this week has seen Thailand’s Naga Fireball Festival in Nong Khai Province on the Mekong River bordering Laos.

The quaint town of Phon Phisai is famous throughout Thailand for being the place to see the yearly spectacle. Red, orange and pink fireballs erupt from the Mekong shooting up into the night sky whipping the thousands of onlookers into a boisterous carnival mood.

The Naga is a mythological gigantic serpent who so the locals say spits giant fireballs into the sky so Lord Buddha can descend from Heaven. The festival is held on the night of the full moon at the end of the three month Buddhist Lent. Thousands of people on both sides of the water flock to see this week long event with bigger crowds amassing along the river banks of Nong Khai.

Theories abound that the Naga fireballs (bang fai phaya nak) origin are actually from Laos, the pessimists claiming that across the Mekong, Laos villagers fire rockets into the semi dark skies. Back on Thai soil and it’s party time with music, food, beer and local whiskey all available along the river bank.

Beyond The Mango Juice’s  reporter my very own Wonderful Wi was in Phon Phisai on Wednesday night to witness the fireball phenomenon. She travelled the thirty odd kilometres from our home with family and friends to savour the carnival atmosphere and hopefully see the Naga propel fireballs into the heavens.

Wilai reported that during the evening she was there no fireballs were seen, the mythological serpent remaining dormant in the murky waters of the Mekong. She did however assure me that people had claimed to have seen many of the fireballs the previous night but nonetheless everyone who went from our village enjoyed a wonderful night.

I must try and visit the Naga Fireball Festival myself one year, it sounds like a really bubbly event. Until next time have fun, Hoo Don.

© 2008 – 2009, Martyn. All rights reserved.

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