Loy Krathong 2016 – Thailand’s festival of lights

Celebrated nationwide, Loy Kratong is probably Thailand’s most beautiful and enchanting festival. The word loy (or loi) means to float, whilst krathong are small rafts or baskets. Traditionally made from banana leaves or the bark of a banana tree, the krathongs usually contain a candle, incense and flowers. The person who will be floating the krathong will often take a small clipping of their hair or fingernail which will then be added to the krathong together with some coins. The candle and incense are then lit and a wish is made before the krathong is placed on the nearest stretch of water. It is believed that the krathong carries away bad luck and signals a fresh start.

The festival is held on the full moon of the twelfth month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar, which is falls in the 14^th of November this year!!

 

 

Origin of Loy Krathong

The precise origin of Loy Krathong is unclear, but it is widely believed to have originated in the ancient Thai capital of Sukhothai during the 13th century. The festival may have Brahmin origins but has been given a typically unique Thai twist over the years. Coming at the end of the rainy season, it is also believed that the tradition pays homage to the water goddess, Mae Kongkha (Mother of Waters) and the krathongs are offerings to her.

 

 

Modern Day Loy Krathong

The festival has evolved to include music concerts and beauty pageants and is another great excuse for a party. Falling during the school holidays, Loy Krathong is also a family affair with parents often helping their children to make the krathongs.

Where to celebrate

Although celebrated nationwide, Loy Kratong is particularly delightful in the provinces of Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya and Bangkok.

As the place of origin of the festival, Sukhothai rightly remains the focal point of the celebrations. The festival comes with a spectacular light-and-sound show held in the ancient and traditional setting of the Sukhothai historical park.

 

Chiang Mai is another prime site to celebrate Loy Kratong. The festival is known in northern dialect as 'Yi Peng.' The largest kratongs are decorated floats, paraded through the town on trucks. The colorfully lit floats form a long glittering parade as they make their way to the river.

Meanwhile, up above thousands of 'khom loy' (floating lanterns) drift into the night sky. These large balloon-like lanterns are released at temples and sometimes from private homes in the hope that misfortune flies away with them.

 

The Chao Phraya River is one of the main waterways to celebrate the Loy Kratong festival. In Bangkok, riverside hotels organize special celebrations for their guests. In some hotels, swimming pools are turned into a temporary river for the Loy Kratong celebration.