Loi Krathong Festival
Loi Krathong is aromantic festival in which couples g0 to
the riverside under a full moon as myriad lights blink on the water, to launcha
krathong and wish forbeauty in life on the night of the full moon of the
twelfth lunar month. A krathong is
smtvessel made from a folded banana leaf attached to sliceofbanana Stalk
or bread loaf. Loi apply eans to drift, either on earMaleer-in the air. To Lel
Kra ong is therefore to release a krathong decorated with lowers, candles and
joss Sticks, with the addition of small
coins, to let your troubles loa away, leaving you with only the god thi5 in
life.
Thanks the river
The purpose of the ritual is to acknowledge the river as the
source of all natural abundance. It is
also a remembrance of Lord Buddha who found the way to Enlightenment. The full-moon night of the twelfth lunar
month, usually in the month of November.
Foi Krathong is as much a favorite of young men and wonnen as
Valentine's Day, since they will stay out late at night in the romantic
atmosphere of candlelight and the full moon.
Where to go for Loi Krathong?
Visitors can celebrateLoi Krathong Festival nationwide in
such places as:
Sukhothai seven This seven-hundred-year-old city is where
the Loi Krathong tradition is thought to have originated. Sukhothai Historical
Park hosts one of the biggest festivals in the country, with shows and
performances retracing the glorious past of the former capital. can participate in this unique night of
romance and remembrance of things past.
Bangkok:
All along both banks of the Chao Phraya River,
which runs through the great City of Angels, people of all ages come to launch their own krathong Amidst a constant
letting off of firecrackers and processions of boats festooned with colored
lights. An illuminated boat procession along the Chao Phraya River and the
lit-up buildings and historical sites on both sides of the river make Loi
Krathong in Bangkok a Loi Krathong is
celebrated widely in Bangkok with various kinds of entertainment, and it is
organized at many locations. The popular places for Loi Krathong in Bangkok
include .
Nakharaphirom
Park on the Maharat Road (Near the Grand Palace),
Santichaiprakan Park on Phra. Athit
Road, at the foot of the Rama IX Bridge, Benchasiri Park on Sukhumvit Road, and
Benchakitti Park on Ratchada Phisek Road. A romantic dinner by the river with
a spectacular view of the fireworks and
illuminated toating krathongs under the moonlight is a must that night,
Chiang Mai
This important tourist town of the North Covers
itself with lights during this month of cool weather. People gather along the Ping River to float
krathongs, but the special addition here is the thousands of paper lanterns set
adrift in the sky-an impressive, unforgettable sight. Northerners believe that releasing paper
lanterns is a way of dedicating merit to the departed and worshiping the holy
pagoda in Heaven.
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
The Bangsai Loi Krathong Tam
Prathip is held at the Bangsai Royal Folk Arts and Craft s Center. This festival features traditional Loi
Krathong activities amidst the magnificent ruins of the once glorious capital
city of Thailand. Beauty contests,
processions of beauty queens, krathong contests, and cultural performances are
the highlights of this festival.
Samut Songkhram
Loi Krathong Kap Kluai Mueang Mae Klong is a
unique Loi Krathong tradition where the locals make krathong out of a layer of
banana leaf sheath instead of banana leaves. The krathong is decorated with
flowers and a resin-dipped and Sun-dried incense Sticks, and floated down the Mae Khlong
estuary. The resin makes the incense sticks burn slowly, showing beautiful
lines of glittering lights on the river at night.
Tak:
This tranquil town by the Ping River celebrates the
wonderful moment with their own unique and elegant way. Local people create a krathong; this outstanding one is not made from banana
leaf, but coconut sheel, filled with wax and wick, and floated in a line that
is referred to Loi Krathong Sai, The atmosphere of joining this event not only
represents the celebration, but also the unity of the community, this creative masterpiece as
well as local Thai wisdom, which will give you a memorable night.
Tips for Loi Krathong
Use a krathong made of natural
materials in order to preserve the environment If you intend to have dinner by
the river, make reservations in advance.
Since Loi Krathong has much to do with candles, fireworks, rivers and
crowded areas, you should proceed with good care. Loi Krathong Night
willaivespecialmoon-drenched meaning to time spent in the company of
whoevercounts most in your life.