Held
annually, Loi Krathong is one of the most beautiful Thai festivals, and it is a
time to give thanks to the goddess of waters and to seek forgiveness for past
misdeeds. It occurs at night during the full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month.
This year the event falls on November 28.
Loi literally
means “to float,” while Krathong refers to the lotus-shaped
vessels containing candles, incense and flowers which participants float down
rivers and on lakes and ponds everywhere.
The
festival also includes beauty pageants, fireworks and contests making the
Krathong from materials such as banana leaves, banana tree trunks, coconut
barks or even paper.
Each province has its own special features in celebrating this annual Festival of Lights, and here are some of the highlights:
Each province has its own special features in celebrating this annual Festival of Lights, and here are some of the highlights:
The
Delightful Color of Stream, Loi Krathong Festival, 24 -
28 November 2012
Where:
Asiatique The Riverfront, Chao Phraya River (Krung Thep Bridge–Krung Thon
Bridge), Bangkok
Highlights: Opening
ceremony on 24 November, 2012, plus cultural performances, light decorations
and the float procession all along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. One of
Loi Krathong’s best atmospheres.
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Loi Krathong Festival, 28 November 2012
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Loi Krathong Festival, 28 November 2012
Where: Bangsai
Arts and Crafts Center, Ayutthaya
Highlights: Experience
the old market atmosphere, riverside night market, and the magnificent ruins of
this once glorious capital city; beauty pageants, Krathong contests, and
cultural performances are the highlights of this festival, competing to win His
Majesty the King’s Trophy.
Yee Peng
Festival, 28 – 29 November 2012
Where: Tha
Phae Gate (28–29 November), Amphur Mae Jo (24–30 November), Chiang Mai
Highlights: Enjoy
local cultural performances and handicrafts, the Lanna style walking street,
and opening ceremony “Yi Peng Festival 2012,” plus an amazing procession of
hanging lanterns at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, beauty contests, and a light and
sound presentation on the Ping River. There will also be a Krathong procession competition
for His Majesty the King’s Trophy.
Loi
Krathong and Candle Festival, 26 – 28 November 2012
Where: Sukhothai
Historical Park, Sukhothai
Highlights: Activities
of the “Dawn of happiness,” the hanging lantern procession, grand fireworks
display, Miss Noppamas beauty contest, light and sound presentation, plus
Sukhothai arts and culture performances and the Krathong design contest.
Loi
Krathong Sai Festival and Thousand Floating Candles, 24 –
29 November 2012
Where: Banks
of the Ping River, Tak
Highlights: Amazing
Krathong Sai (procession of floating coconut-shell Krathong), OTOP shopping,
and the Krathong Sai design contest for His Majesty the King’s Trophy.
Loi
Krathong Karb Klauy Mae Klong, 28 November 2012
Where: King
Rama II Memorial Park, Wat Chonglom, Samut Songkhram
Highlights: Feast
your eyes on the Krathong Karb Klauy, enjoy the local cultural performances,
the Krathong design contest, Noppamas beauty contest, and give Pha Pa
(donations) to Buddhist monks along the river.
Loi
Krathong Festival, 28 November 2012
Where: Suphanburi
River (Tha Jeen River), Suphanburi
Highlights: Krathong
desire contest, an amazing procession of hanging lanterns, fireworks display,
and arts and culture performances from a variety of local artists.
For more
information about the event, please visit http://www.loikrathong.net
(thailand.prd.go.th)
