1.
GV & SV.. DANCERS AND ROCKETS IN PROCESSION (2 SHOTS)
0.20

2.
REAR V..ROCKET
0.25

3.
SV MAN DISMANTLING DECORATIONS ON NOSE OF ROCKET
0.29

4.
SV CROWD WATCHES
0.32

5.
SV TO GV..ROCKET CARRIED TO LAUNCHING PAD
0.40

6.
SV DANCERS FOLLOW ROCKET
0.45

7.
LV ROCKETS PREPARED FOR LAUNCHING
0.46

8.
SV CROWD WATCHES
0.48

9.
GV'S..FIRST ROCKET IS FIRED
1.00

10.
GV CROWD WATCHES
1.02

11.
GV PAN..SECOND ROCKET IS FIRED
1.11



Initials DE/S/MGT/ES



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: BUDDHIST PAGODAS IN THE LAOTIAN CAPITAL OF VIENTIANE WERE GAILY DECORATED LAST WEEKEND AS LAOTIANS CELEBRATED BUDDHA'S 2059TH BIRTHDAY AND THE FERTILITY FESTIVAL. THE CELEBRATIONS RANGED FROM THE PRESENTATION OF GIFTS TO BUDDHIST MONKS TO THE LAUNCHING OF HOME-MADE ROCKETS ON THE BANKS OF THE MEKONG RIVER.

THE ROCKETS WERE FIRST CARRIED THROUGH THE MAIN STREETS OF THE CAPITAL. THE PROCESSION ENDED ON THE BANKS OF THE MEKONG RIVER. THERE THE ROCKETS WERE SET ON LAUNCHING PADS -- MADE OF WOODEN POLES.

THE FIRING OF ROCKETS IS SAID TO ENSURE A BOUNTIFUL SEASON WITH PLENTY OF RAIN FOR THE CROPS.

BEFORE EACH FUSE WAS LIT, THE PEOPLE GAMBLED ON WHETHER OR NOT IT WOULD GO OFF.