NONG KHAI, 9 October 2014 Thousands of tourists have eagerly waited to witness the spectacular Naga Fireballs phenomenon, which takes place every year during “Wan Okphansa” or the day that marks the end of Buddhist Lent.
In Phon Phisai District, Nong Khai province, locals and tourists have attended a ceremony to worship the Great Naga and pay homage to the spiritual guardians of the Mekong River as part of their celebrations to the Naga Fireballs festival.
The Naga Fireballs is an unusual phenomenon where glowing fireballs emerge out of the Mekong River and shoot up into the sky. According to folk legends, the fireballs were created by the Great Naga, a mythical serpent that resides at the bottom of the river.
In Nong Khai province, the fireballs took place about 6:00pm and the scene lasted for about 20 minutes. For this year, there have been a total of 137 fireballs.
Elsewhere in Bueng Kan province, the Mekong River has been bustling with tourists who were keen to witness the Naga Fireballs. The first fireball was reportedly sighted at 6:39pm.
Finally in Ubon Ratchatani province, a news reporter confirmed that locals have witnessed at least 20 fireballs emerging from the Mekong River as well.
