November

Loy Krathong Festval

One of the most well-known Thai festivals is Loy Krathong Festival. If falls on the full moon night November when the moon is brightest, and the tide is at its highest level.

The word " Loy " means " to float ", and " Krathong " means lotus-shaped vessel made of banana leaves, the trunk of a banana tree or a spider lily plant . Loy Krathong is, therefore, the floating of an illuminated leaf bowl. But nowadays some Krathong are made of coloured paper. A krathong usually contains a candle, three joss sticks, some flowers and coins.

The history or Loy Krathong Festival is slightly obscure. Fist, it is to ask for apology from the water goddess for having used and sometimes made rivers and canals dirty. Second, it is to offer flowers, candles and joss sticks as a tribute to the footprint of Lord Buddha on the sandy beach of the Nammatha River in India. Third, it is to show gratitude to the Phra Mae Kong Ka or Mother of Water. Fourth, it is to wash away the previous year’s misfortunes. However, one explanation may apply very well i.e. people want to have a good time when rivers and canais are full of water and the moon is at it’s most beautiful.

Loy Krathong Festival has been an important tradition since the Sukhothai Period. Lady Noppamas or Tao Sri Chulalak, the Brahman consort of King Lithai, was the first person who introduced “Krathongcherm”, the banana leaf krathong in the from of lotus blossom on the festival night.

The festival starts in evening when the full moon is high in the sky. People carry their krathong to the rivers and canals. After lighting candles and joss sticks and making a wish, they gently place the krathongs on the water and let them float away till they go out of sight . It is believed that krathongs carry away their sins and bad luck, and happiness will come to them.

The festival includes a contest of krathong-making, the Lady Noppamas Beauty Queen Contest, local games and performances, entertainment programs and firework displays. The Loy Krathong song contributes to the romantic atmosphere of this occasion.

Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated everywhere in Thailand, especially in Sukhothai and Tak provinces. The practice in each province is slightly different.

In Sukhothai, the festival is known as “Loy Krathong Festival illuminated with Candles.” The event begins during daytime with spectsacular procession Noppcamas, and krathongs in various forms. In the evening, the history of Sukhothai is presented in a light and sound show at Sukhothai Historical Park . the highlight of the ceremony is a floating illuminated by lanterns and candles. The festive atmosphere with music and singing as a reminder of the first Loy Krathong in Sukhothai over 700 years ago.

In Tak, Loy Krathong Sai, Thailand’s lovely annual “ Festival of Lights “ on the full moon night in November is celebrated in a unique manner. Villagers thread together their krathongs which are launched at the same time and appear as lighted necklaces on the Ping River.

For foreign tourists, the Loy Krathong Festival is an occasion not to be missed. The festival is listed in the tourist calendar.Leading hotes organize parties and foreigners are invited to take part in it and share the joy and happiness of the occasion.

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