If you're ever in Thailand during the month of November, stick around for the Loi Kratong Festival of Lights! The city of Chiang Mai is known to be the best place to celebrate this festival since the locals go above and beyond.
This festival marks the end of the rainy season and it is by far the most beautiful of all Thai festivals. 'Loy' means 'to float,' while 'kratong' refers to the lotus-shaped boats which float on the water. The kratong is made of banana leaves or the layers of the trunk of a banana tree or a spider lily plant, and it is a practiced process to fold and make these beautiful boats. The more beautiful, elegant and elaborate your boat is, the more good luck! A kratong contains food, betel nuts, flowers, joss sticks, candles and coins.
Today and tomorrow, thousands of people will gather beside the canals and rivers. They will prepare their kratong with candles and coins, silently make a wish, and carefully place their kratongs in the water and release them to the current, hoping that the candle will not go out. Its flame is said to signify longevity, fulfillment of wishes and release from past sins.
It is also an expression of gratitude to the goddess of water 'Phra Mae Kongka' for having extensively used the water from the rivers and canals and for her bounty in providing water for the livelihood of the people. The goodies placed in the boat are offerings for her.
Lanterns are also released into the air as part of the celebration. The idea is, when releasing the lantern you're physically letting go of all your negative energy and 'floating away' all of your past troubles. It marks new beginnings and wishes for good luck in the future, so lanterns are used for many Thai festivals (including Loi Kratong.)
It was a beautiful night, and I had a great after party with some great friends. Life is awesome!
Today and tomorrow, thousands of people will gather beside the canals and rivers. They will prepare their kratong with candles and coins, silently make a wish, and carefully place their kratongs in the water and release them to the current, hoping that the candle will not go out. Its flame is said to signify longevity, fulfillment of wishes and release from past sins.
It is also an expression of gratitude to the goddess of water 'Phra Mae Kongka' for having extensively used the water from the rivers and canals and for her bounty in providing water for the livelihood of the people. The goodies placed in the boat are offerings for her.Lanterns are also released into the air as part of the celebration. The idea is, when releasing the lantern you're physically letting go of all your negative energy and 'floating away' all of your past troubles. It marks new beginnings and wishes for good luck in the future, so lanterns are used for many Thai festivals (including Loi Kratong.)
It was a beautiful night, and I had a great after party with some great friends. Life is awesome!
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