If you were in Laos, you may not like to miss the 'Bun Bang Fai' or the rocket firing festival, which resembles the Diwali that is celebrated in India. If Diwali - the festival of lights is celebrated in India to commemorate the Triumph of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakusara, Bun Bang Fai is a festival in which serious salvos are fired in the air that is believed to bring rain on the country sides.

A good crop yield is the expectation which the rockets are believed to bring after profuse rains. The belief exists for several centuries and till today, the festival carries gaiety and fun filled excitement with cross-dressed Laos' people enjoying themselves with Lao whiskey, beer and 'sato'- a sort of brewed rice alcohol akin to the Japanese 'sake'. Sounds interesting... right.

By the way, Laos is a landlocked Southeast Asian country bordered by Burma, China, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand. The country has UNESCO world heritage sites 'Luang Prabang' - famous for 'Kuang Si' falls and 'Pak Ou caves', and 'Wat Phou' - that has a mountain with a natural 'linga' ( nuclear reactor shaped structure). This is considered to be sacred as linga pertains to Lord Shiva and the mountain is considered his abode. The country is seeking similar status for its 'Plain of Jars'. Vientaine is the capital of Laos.

Labels: Bun Bang Fai, Kuang Si falls, Lao whiskey, Luang Prabang, Pak Ou caves, rocket festival, Vientaine, Wat Phou