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The Naga Festival or Bang Fai Phaya Nak

  • December 10, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by SeenThat from Tel Aviv, Israel
The Naga Festival or Bang Fai Phaya Nak

Once a year, Nong Khai becomes the center of a big event: the Naga Fireball Festival, locally known as Bang Fai Phaya Nak. Due to the lunar calendar characteristics, its date changes yearly, but usually it takes place during the month of October.

Origin

Several versions exist regarding the true nature of this event; the mythological one claims that Nagas spit fireballs from the Mekong riverbed, the unproven, scientific one, tells that methane gas is discharged from the depths, but most locals testify of firecrackers launched from just below the water surface by resourceful kids on both shores.

The point is that the source of the fireballs is completely irrelevant since the festival provides an amazing opportunity for a close meeting with the local culture. Thais arrive from the surrounding towns and gather by the beautiful promenade for social evenings full of dining wonders, musical performances and new friends.

Krathong and Nagas

The river is dressed up for the occasion; its shores and access ramps are heavily decorated. At night the sights are overwhelming, but also the days hold colorful sights; especially the traditional long boats races which can be enjoyed from the promenade at all hours.

After the sunset lighted Krathong and Nagas float gracefully in that ancient, charming slow pace of the Thai culture. The Krathong are flower crowns with a candle in their center. The Nagas – literally snakes - are traditional boats of different shapes decorated with colorful electric lights. From time to time, the skies are illuminated with firecrackers that look like a compulsory gear for any participant below fifteen years old.

The Promenade

Nong Khai’s promenade is several kilometers long, occupying all the north-eastern side of the town. The wide sidewalk dresses up toward the festival and practically the whole’s area population appears there during the festival days’ evenings. Laos is clearly seen across the Mekong River and countless illuminated boats float on it.

Ma Muang Tam or Khao Nio Ma Muang?

By the shore, the most festive dishes of the fabulous Thai cuisine are served in countless stalls during the festival. Variations of popular dishes can be easily found, like the Ma Muang Tam, a modification of the popular Som Tam salad, which is prepared with mango instead of with papaya.

Other options are relatively rare, seasonal dishes like the Khao Nio Ma Muang, which makes a cheerful appearance in Nong Khai. This is one of the local cuisine’s greatest creations and consists of sticky rice soaked in coconut cream and covered with ripe mango; it is a sweet, delicious plate which suffers from the short season in which the mango is ripe; usually that fruit is consumed in Thailand while green.

From journal Nong Khai: Touch Point

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