Rating: 3.6/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Every year in May

Opening Hours: All day during the festival period

 

Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) in Ta Lang Nai Subdistrict, Sakaeo Province, is an annual merit-making event passed down since 1970 (B.E. 2513). It is held at Wat Ta Lang Nai and continues to preserve its cultural identity with devotion. The festival atmosphere is filled with faith, community spirit, and lively color, reflecting a deep bond between humans and nature.

 

Locals in Ta Lang Nai believe that the human world and the realm of deities are under the power of “Phaya Than” (the Sky Deity) who brings rain. The Phi Fa dance and the firing of rockets are key rites to communicate with and worship the deity for seasonal rainfall. This belief is rooted in the legend of “Phaya Khankhak” (the Toad King) who fought Phaya Than until rain fell across the land—a story that people of Isan have long held as a guide for living.

 

Rocket firing in the Bun Bang Fai tradition is not only a petition for rain, but also a symbol of loyalty to nature and the sacred. Rockets soaring into the sky are like sending a message of faith to Phaya Than and marking the start of the planting season. Villagers work together to build rockets from bamboo and black powder, decorate them with care, then bring them to compete and launch on the big day.

 

Wat Ta Lang Nai has been the heart of this festival since the beginning. Each May, a large celebration is held with rocket processions from various villages, contests for different rocket classes (such as “saen” and “lan” rockets), folk dances, local games, and merit-making by offering meals to monks for auspicious blessings and timely rainfall.

 

On the day before the festival, villagers hold a ceremony to pay homage to the guardian spirits and Phaya Than with offerings such as sticky rice parcels, sweets, liquor, and a pig’s head, accompanied by the Phi Fa dance to honor the deity. On the festival morning, a rocket procession heads to Wat Ta Lang Nai. Dressed in traditional attire, villagers play folk instruments like the khaen, long drums, and pin. Music and laughter fill the entire village with festivity.

 

When it’s time to fire the rockets, experienced specialists carefully oversee the procedures. Before ignition, prayers are recited to honor Phaya Than. As the rocket streaks skyward, cheers erupt—a sign of hope and joy for the coming rains. In some years the rockets soar so high they nearly vanish from sight, taken as a good omen of abundance for that year.

 

After the launches, there is also a parade contest showcasing beautifully crafted and creative floats. Each village presents its own identity, whether through folk dances, cultural performances, or lively dramatisations of the Toad King legend, all to the energetic sound of molam music echoing across the grounds.

 

The Bun Bang Fai of Ta Lang Nai is more than religious rite and belief; it is a social glue that brings everyone together to co-host the festival every year. Building a single rocket requires indigenous know-how, patience, and solidarity—all of which have become a tangible symbol of cooperation in daily life.

 

Today, Sakaeo Province supports the Ta Lang Nai Bun Bang Fai as a “cultural tourism” highlight. The province promotes the event and collaborates with local authorities to organise activities, welcoming both Thai and international visitors to experience the festival up close. Beyond fun, it is a great chance to learn about Isan beliefs and folk traditions.

 

Getting There From Sakaeo city, take Highway 317 toward Wang Nam Yen District for about 25 km. Then turn into Ta Lang Nai Subdistrict for another 5 km to reach Wat Ta Lang Nai, the main festival venue. The temple grounds are spacious with safe viewing areas for rocket launches. Visitors can drive or take local buses from Sakaeo Bus Terminal.

 

 

A: It takes place every year in May, before the planting season, as a rain-invoking rite to Phaya Than.

 

A: At Wat Ta Lang Nai, Ta Lang Nai Subdistrict, Wang Nam Yen District, Sakaeo Province.

 

A: It honors Phaya Than and petitions for seasonal rains to ensure agricultural abundance.

 

A: Rocket parades, rocket contests, folk performances, Phi Fa dance, and merit-making.

 

A: Yes. Entry is free, and visitors can watch the processions and join activities on the temple grounds.

 

A: Mornings feature the procession; afternoons host the contests and rocket launches—the liveliest period.

 

A: Admission is free throughout the event, though you can support local vendors and food stalls on site.