Conquer Asia

Two of the well-known festivities in Laos are the Vixakha Bouxa and Boun Bang Fay. These festivities are celebrated almost the same but it both have different meanings for the people in Laos.

Vixakha Bouxa is a commemoration for the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. They said that these events took place on the same date. This is often celebrated in the month of May or Vesak, which is based on the lunar calendar. It is celebrated through dances, poems, processions, parades, theatrical performances, and deep meditation.

The Boun Bang Fay is also known as the Festival of the Rockets. This is said to be the hottest and driest season of the year. During this time, there are large homemade rocks are launched into the sky which serve as an attempt to persuade the celestial beings to let the rain pour down. Today, many people in Laos make the bang fai which are like fireworks and they also have competitions on the fastest, highest, and most colorful rockets displayed.

boung bang fay, laos, festival