The “Look Noo” festival originated among Thailand’s Mon ethnic group as a way to honour deceased monks in the Buddhist kingdom – using a rocket as a spectacular way to ignite a cremation fire from afar.

It gradually developed into a competition, with hundreds gathering every year trying to hit a target around a hundred metres away – or at least send their projectiles flying further than their rivals.

Sunday saw the resumption of the annual festival – paused since 2019 because of the pandemic-spurred social distancing restrictions in Thailand – with around 1,000 spectators amassing in Pathum Thani to cheer on over two dozen teams.

The rockets deployed are around a metre long, made from metal and wood and filled with homemade explosives, usually potassium-based.

Their horizontal flight is guided first by a cable hanging slightly above head height, along which they stutter and fizz, gradually picking up speed and belching yellow-white smoke.

At the end of the cable, the rocket continues zipping through the air – and hopefully towards the target – for a few brief seconds before careening nose over tail across the swampy ground.

Helpers rush out with red flags to mark where each rocket landed and judges keep records along the sidelines.

A parade of dancing and music accompanies the rockets to the field, and some teams write spells and incantations on the projectiles in the hope of guiding them to their target – as well as a top prize of $440.

According to thestar.com.my