Mystery of the Naga fireballs endures

Mystery of the Naga fireballs endures

Thousands of people will flock to Pakngum district tonight, hoping to witness the strange phenomenon of the Naga fireballs, where orbs of flaming light rise mysteriously from the muddy waters of the Mekong.
Known in Lao as Bang Fai Phaya Nak, the appearance of the Naga fireballs coincides with the end of Buddhist Lent, on the full moon of the 11th month of the Buddhist calendar.
The reddish pink balls of light are known to rise from the Mekong along a 100 kilometre stretch of the river from Pakngum district southwards, with recorded sightings dating back more than 100 years.
No one knows for sure what is behind this strange phenomenon, but legend has it that it is the breath of the Naga king, a serpent that resides in the Mekong, who has just awoken after three months of meditation during Len t.
Some say the fireballs are caused by combustible gases which rise from the Mekong at this time of year, when the moon is at its closest point to the Earth, which coincides with the end of Lent. A study by the Thai Ministry of Science pointed towards a gas called phosphine, which they say they have captured on film.
Many more believe it is most certainly the Naga, who chose to be a bodyguard of the Lord Buddha in his final life, hoping to learn more about the Buddhist way, and aren't ready to let science interfere with their traditional beliefs.
Thousands of people gather on the banks of the Mekong to witness the revered fireballs every year, both in Pakngum district and also across the river in Thailand, with Phonphisai district in Nong Khai province providing another good vantage point.
In Pakngum district, the three most popular villages to congregate are Pakngum, Nonxai and Nongkhiet, where the fireballs normally appear in their greatest number between 7 and 9pm, though some years there are more than others.
Pakngum district chief, Mr Vongdeuang Bounyaseng, said the village authorities and local residents have made the necessary arrangements to cater to the expected crowds.
“Areas along the riverbank have been cleared and cleaned so that spectators can settle down for the night and wait for the fireballs to appear,” he said.
“There will be food on offer such as grilled fish, chicken, sweet rice in bamboo tubes, and some traditional activities will take place in the temples as well.”
“There will also be a good security presence to ensure the safety of those who come to witness the spectacle,” he added. Mr Vongdeuang said that even though there are no advertisements, the event still attracts plenty of observers each year.
“Last year, we had about 600 vehicles here. “As we expect a similar number this year, the village authorities have tried their best to allocate parking places.”
Nonxai village Chief Mr Xanxai Dernsaban is also looking forward to tonight. “The fireballs are unique and different from rockets and other fireworks.”
“They are red or pink and rise up from the river and then disappear – quite unlike anything else,” he explained.
Community and religious leaders have urged young people to bring banana stems and bamboo to make a boat. The craft will then be adorned with candles, flowers and flaming torches, and will be floated on the Mekong to mark the last night of Buddhist Lent, and the Naga will rest for another year.
By Somsack Pongkhao
(Latest Update October 30, 2012)