Loy Krathong's splendour

THE Loi Krathong Festival or the Festival of Lights had its origin in the Kingdom of Sukhothai more than 700 years ago. It was said that a court lady named Nang Nophamas, the daughter of a Brahmin priest, made a decorative float and presented it to the ruler. It was around the time Deepavali is celebrated by the Hindus worldwide.

Seeing the beauty of the festival, courtiers and lay people alike followed suit and since then the festival had been celebrated by Thais annually all over the country.

In Thailand the biggest celebrations are held in Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya and Bangkok. Krathongs or floats decorated with flowers, incense sticks and candles in various shapes and sizes are float down rivers
and waterways.

The Krathong floating is an act of respect and a form of thanks to the Mother of the Waters, Mae Kongkha. It is also believed that when you float your Krathong away, you are getting rid of the year’s bad luck — so be careful not to upset your vessel or let it come back to you or you will start your new year with the old bad luck as an extra burden.

The Loi Krathong Festival is celebrated on the full moon night of November annually and this year it falls on Nov 10. If you happen to be in any part of Thailand at this time, head to any main river in the town. Watching and taking part in the festival is an experience you would not soon forget.

Some of the major Loi Krathong events held on November 10th are as follows:

Loi Krathong Festival

Venue : Chao Phraya River, Bangkok

View iluminated boat procession, Loi Krathong activities as well as illuminated buildings and historical sites one both sides of the river.

Bang Sai Loi Krathong Tam Prathip Festival

Venue : Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre under the Royal patronage of H.M. Queen Sirikit, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.

Relive the glorious past of Ayutthaya on this atmospheric night. Enjoy the traditional procession of beauty queens from all four regions and experience the relaxing surroundings of a floating market demonstration.

Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival

Venue : Chiang Mai

Participate in the launching of lanterns to worship Phrathat Chulamani, and take in the competition of a Yi Peng procession, as well as Lanna cultural performances and various forms of entertainment.

Tak Loi Krathong Sai Festival

Venue : Along Ping River, Tak

This festival involves Royal lamps, and a light and sound spectacular on a water screen. Other attractions include a beauty pageant and a bazaar of local handicrafts.

Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival

Venue : Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai

Be enchanted by the worshipping ceremonies to Phra Mae Ya and King Ramkhamhaeing the Great, the cultural arts and traditional Thai musical performances, Nang Noppamas Beauty Contest, lighting of lanterns, Khao Khwan Wan Len Fai ceremony as well as a light and sound presentation at Wat Mahathat.