Schedule
: 10-12 May 2002
Venue
: Phaya Thaen Park, Amphoe Muang, Yasothon
Origin
: 
The Rocket Festival stems from the belief that when this
merit-making ceremony is held, gods and spirits will endow
seasonal rain and a bountiful harvest. This belief conforms
to that of Yoshida District of Saitama Prefecture in Japan.
Therefore, Japan and Thailand have a regular cultural exchange
program between each other.
The objective of the Rocket Festival is to pay homage to
Lord Buddha and to continue Buddhism. It is also held to
ask for rain and enhance unity.
Activities
:
The Rocket Festival is divided into 3 days; Suk Dip Day
when rocket teams take their crafts in a procession and
perform a ritual to pay homage to Chao Pu, the spirit of
the city pillar.
The next day is the rocket procession day. In the morning,
people give food to monks at the hall for sermons and receive
robes in return. Then the procession proceeds to pay homage
to the city pillar and sacred items of the village. The
rocket processions are beautifully decorated. Traditional
dance processions lead the rocket processions.
| Nearby
Tourist Spots : |
| -
Wat Maha That (Muang) |
| |
is
a temple that has been with the province since ancient
times. The temple has 2 historical sites, which are
Phra That Anon or Phra That Yasothon that houses the
ashes of Phra Anon and the scripture hall that is in
the middle of a pool. It is where a fan palm scripture
is kept. |
| -
Phra That Kong Khao Noi (Muang) |
| |
is
an ancient pagoda from the Khmer period situated in
the middle of a paddy field. This is a historical site
different than others because its history is not related
to Buddhism. The tale is that a farmer killed his mother
because of hunger and anger. Upon regaining his sanity,
he felt sorry and built this pagoda. Nearby is a village
called Ban Tat Thong. Prehistoric skeletons and Ban
Chiang style pottery have been discovered here. |
| -
Ban Song Puai (Kham Khuan Kaeo) |
| |
is
where a large Buddha image of about 200 years old is
located. There is also evidence of the ancient city
of Dong Muang Toei. It is believed that it was an ancient
community in the Chenla Thawarawadi period. A museum
displays many artifacts collected from Dong Muang Toei. |
| For
more information, contact : |
| -
Yasothon Municipality. |
| |
Tel.
(045) 711397 |
| -
TAT Northeastern Region Office: Area 2 (Ubon Ratchathani).
|
| |
Tel.
(045) 243770, fax (045) 243771 |
