To infinity and beyond

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Worldwide | Wednesday, September 29, 2010 | 5 photos

The following set of photos I shot while attending the Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival). The festival sees the Laotian people embrace their water shortages in a style like no other.

Traditionally the festival is based on the notion that launching bamboo rockets skyward will initiate the rainy season and bring much needed relief to the countries rice fields.

When the rockets are launched, a deafening roar echoes over the field sending a jolt through the spectators. Children’s faces are filled with wonder as they marvel at the rockets soaring into the air, and dream of becoming South East Asia’s version of Buzz Lightyear. Those whose rocket fails to launch are tossed into a pool of mud.

While respecting the event's traditions, Laotians embrace the festival with their tongue firmly in their cheek. Recalling origins of the festival as a fertility rite, and playing on the phallic symbol of the rocket, many embrace the event with endearing good humour and camp jocularity.

Standing in a field near Buddha Park, on the outskirts of the Laos capital of Vientiane, I found it hard not to giggler at men parading around in their wives' finery. Even harder to ignore was the piece of wood, fashioned into a sort of penis-shaped bazooka aimed directly at my head, the latter providing a huge point of amusement for other participants, with me being one of few farang (westerners) at the event.

Although the rockets take centre stage, it is the headonistic attitude of the Thais and Laoations that embrace the frevolity of the event to its fullest that is trully unforgettable.

Having travelled through 17 countries, I have an undying curiosity to gain insights into the world's many and varied cultures and am passionate about capturing this through my amature photography.