“Loy, loy krathong … loy, loy krathong …” echoing of this song at nearly all public places, televisions and radios indicates that the famous enjoyable festival of all Thais “Loy Krathong Festival” is now in season.
Loy Krathong is one of the beautiful and joyful festivals of all Thais. It is the festival that all Thais believe to express their gratitude and apology to the Mother of Water (Phra-mae Khong Kha). Since Thailand is basically the agricultural country, the uses of water either from river or the sea are vital for their livings. However, the water is not used only for their daily consumptions and/or for their crops, it is also used for drainage. The heavily used of water on both sides, good and bad, is called for them to express their gratitude as much as to apologize. By doing so, the Thais believe in good fate to come into their lives after all.
The festival is celebrated annually in the evening on the full moon day of the twelfth lunar month, whilst the water is at highest tide. The Thais of various ages; old, adults, and the young, with the Krathongs and candles lighted, gather themselves near the water front for the cerebration.
The Krathong, the lotus-shaped vessel made of banana leaves filled with flowers, three joss sticks, a candle, and a few coins, symbolizes the oblation to worship the Mother of Water.
Float of the Krathong (Loy Krathong) into water stream, c.f. river, canal, sea, etc., signals the genuine celebration of the festival. Flickering light from the candles of troops of floated Krathongs draw the beauty spot of this festival that is hard to forget.
Other recognized activity coming along with this festival is the “Noppamas Queen Contest”. Noppamas is a legendary figure from the Sukhothai period. Old documents refer to her as the chief royal consort of a Sukhothai King named “Lithai”. Noppamas was said to have made the first decorated Krathong to float in the river on the occasion.
The celebration of this festival, nowadays, includes local games and performances, entertainment programs and firework displays. Definitely, the Loy Krathong song is echoing all over to contribute to the romantic scenery of this festival.
This festival is organized at number of places throughout the country. Leading hotels and amusement parks in big city such as Bangkok will not miss the opportunity to arrange the celebration at their places for visitors. However, the most popular place of the festival is at Sukhothai province, where the Loy Krathong Festival is assumed to be originated. The show of light and sound to recall the old time of the festival is the highlight apart from diverse culture of floating the Krathong.
For visitors to Thailand, the Loy Krathong Festival is an occasion not to be missed. The festival is listed in the tourist calendar. Everyone is invited to take part and share the joy and happiness.
