Wan Awk Pansa is the last day of the Thai-Laos observance of vassa. It occurs in October, three lunar months after Wan Kao Pansa.The day is celebrated in Isan by illuminated boat processions notably in Nakhon Phanom on the Mekong river, and in Ubon Ratchathani on the Mun.  The main ceremonies feature boats of 8-10 metres in length, formerly made of banana wood or bamboo, but now sometimes of other materials. The boats are filled with offerings such as kao tom mut (sticky rice sweets wrapped in banana leaves)    and decorated on the outside with flowers, candles and lamps. The boats are launched in the evening. Additionally, some celebrants individually launch their own, smaller vessels. Boat races also take place around this time in many places throughout the country. The phenomenon known as the Naga fireballs, in which glowing egg-sized balls rise out of the Mekong river, is most often reported around the night of Wan Awk Pansa. A clear reason for the fireballs has yet to be determined. The Naga fireballs The balls are reddish in colour and about the size of an egg; they rise a couple of hundred metres before disappearing. The number of fireballs is variable, being reported at between tens and thousands per night. Timing The fireballs have been seen for centuries and are most often reported around the night of Wan Awk Pansa - the end of the Buddhist rains retreat - in October, although displays have also been reported in March, April, May, June and September. Causes and beliefs The cause of the phenomenon is unclear: it has been proposed that the balls are produced by the fermentation of sediment in the river, which can combust in the particular river and atmospheric conditions of the nights in question. A programme on Thai television in 2002 suggested that they were produced by tracer fire from soldiers on the Lao side of the river. This provoked furious protests from local villagers, who believe that the balls are produced by a serpent, the Naga or Phaya Naga, living in the river. Popular Thai language newspapers also supported the Naga theory. The phenomenon has gained much prominence since the furore over the TV programme, as well as the 2002 film by director Jira Maligool, Mekhong Full Moon Party. Previously known as the ghost fireballs, the event has now had its name changed and is being promoted as a festival to attract tourists.  Naga Fireball Festival also features a bazaar, a food fair, a contest of floating and illuminated boats in worship of the Naga, long-boat races, and a light and sound show. Although there are several viewpoints for watching the natural wonder of the Naga fireballs, a great number of fireballs are usually seen in Phon Phisai district. see u next year everyone                                                                                                            Good day na ka^^                                                                                                                   Jan:D

Been on my "must see" list for a while.

i want to see to

and as always, u made a lovely journal

Thanks Jan!

Sound like a great many things to see and do for all

The Fireballs -yeah- after hours of watching for shooting stars at the beach last month,

I could go for these too! ( I vote that it is a dragon!)

thanks Jan for another interesting Journal

i would like to see that, but unfortunately i'm not there at this time....

Again, fantastic - thank you

Love the pictures and hope that next year I can be there.

I've been a couple of times, and to be honest, its a bit of a let down.

I really want to make it out and see this...hopefully I'll have the free time.

Very exciting - I'd never heard of this...