Thailands Buddhist temples compete with fireworks and rockets during annual festival

May 6, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Thailands Buddhist temples compete with fireworks and rockets during annual festival

Thailand’s temples gather for ‘Look Noo’ rocket festival

Temples from across Thailand have gathered to participate in the annual ‘Look Noo’ rocket festival, an ancient tradition that dates back to the Mon era. The event is a key part of the country’s cultural heritage and has evolved over time.

According to historical records, the ritual was initially used as a funeral rite for senior monks, but it has since been adapted into a competitive event. This year’s festival saw temples from various regions of Thailand competing with each other in a display of pyrotechnics and fireworks.

The ‘Look Noo’ festival is an important part of Thai cultural tradition, and its continued celebration is seen as a way to preserve the country’s rich heritage. The event has been held annually for many years, with temples from different regions participating in the festivities.

This year’s festival saw a number of notable participants, including several prominent temples from Bangkok and other major cities. The competition was fierce, with each temple vying to outdo its rivals in terms of pyrotechnics and fireworks displays.

The ‘Look Noo’ rocket festival is expected to continue for many years to come, as it remains an important part of Thai cultural tradition. The event has been well-received by locals and visitors alike, providing a unique glimpse into the country’s rich heritage.

Source: Al Jazeera