THE IDENTITY OF TRADITIONAL MERIT-MAKING ON THE SIXTH MONTH OF THE LUNAR YEAR (BUN BANG FAI OR ROCKET FESTIVAL) CASE STUDY OF BAN THON SUB-DISTRICT, THA BO DISTRICT, NONG KHAI PROVINCE

Abstract

The study of the identity of traditional merit-making on the sixth month of the lunar year (Bun Bang Fai or Rocket Festival), the case study of Ban Thon sub-district, Tha Bo district, Nong Khai province, aims to learn the change in Rocket Festival in the area. It also figures out factors that cause the existence of Ban Thon sub-district’s Rocket Festival through qualitative approach using cause and effect analysis.

The research found that the Rocket Festival of Thon people is divided into four periods i.e. 1957- 1974, 1975-1981, 1982-2010, and 2011-2018, respectively. The faith about the Rocket Festival to ask for rain from Phaya Dun and offer to Luang Pu Yai for prosperity before start farming remain unchanged. Whereas, size and number of rockets have become larger. Moreover, objectives of holding this festival are not only originally hand traditional on but also nowadays encourage tourism and receive support from more local orgainzations.

Key factors that keep Rocket Festival existing among Thon people are faith, technology and influencer. The faith, an internal factor, has been inherited, cultivated and hand it on. For external factor, technology has resulted in larger and more efficient rocket. Additionally, it helps in contact, communication, and promote the festival to the public for more participants. Leadership also play a role. Philosopher and elder transfer the traditional ritual knowledge. A community leaders manages, coordinates and promotes Rocket Festival to ensure the core purpose has been followed in accordance to the original way.