This point is exemplified in a study done by Professor
Nidhi Eoseewong on the Bang-Fai or Skyrocket
Festival in Yasothorn Province. This was initially a folk ceremony to
bring rain and to assure agricultural people of fertility and a bo
untiful harvest. Over the years, the festival has been greatly modified in form
and spirit. No longer a village spiritual ceremony, it now has become more of
a performance which people attend for pleasure and fun. It has acquired
new socio-political functions, creating important bonds between village and city residents as well as villageresidents and state authorities. Its changes are less a function of tourism (few touristsattend the festival) and more a function of societal changes. Whereas
formerly the ceremony was performed locally in villages for religious reasons, it has now been transferred to the auspices of provincial authorities who have turned it into a show to
be attended by provincial residents. Thus the character and "raison d'etre" of this ritual have been completely altered through changing societal structure and values.