Loy Krathong
Festival
Loy Krathong Day is one of the most
popular festivals of Thailand celebrated annually on the Full-Moon Day of the
Twelfth Lunar Month. It takes place at a
time when the weather is fine as the rainy season is over and there is a high
water level all over the country. The word “Loy” means “to float”, and “Krathong” means lotus-shaped
vessel made of banana leaves. Loy Krathong is, therefore the floating of an
illuminated leaf bowl. But nowadays some
krathongs are made of coloured paper. A
krathong usually contains a candle, three joss sticks, some flowers and coins.
The history of Loy Krathong
Festival is slightly obscure. First, 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.
The ceremony is believed to have
originated in the time of King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai, the first capital of
Thailand, and to have been started by Nang Nophamas or Tao Sri Chulalak, the
Brahman consort of the King. She was the
first person who introduced “Krathongcherm”, the banana leaf krathong in the
form of lotus blossom on the festival night.
The festival starts in the evening when there is a full moon in the sky. People carry their krathongs to the river and
canals. After lighting candles and joss
sticks and making a wish, they gently place the krathongs on the water and let
them drift 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. Indeed, it
is the time to be joyful and happy as the sufferings are floated away.
The festival includes a contest of
Krathong-making, the Nophamas Queen Contest, local games and performances, entertainment
programs and firework displays. The Loy
Krathong song contributes to the romantic atmosphere of this occasion.
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