Thailand has many beautiful festivals throughout the year but none as highly anticipated as Loy Krathong, The Festival of Lights.
Loy Krathong, which is held on the night of the 12th full moon, is a ceremony that venerates the Lord Buddha by offering floating trays laden with flowers, candles and incense. Loy translates to “float” in Thai, while Krathong pertains to a tray made from banana leaves. The light from the candle honors Lord Buddha, while the act of floating symbolizes the release of anger, resentment or any tarnishing of one’s character. It is a way for a person to make amends and start afresh.
Thai’s also float their krathong to honor the goddess of the rivers and waterways, Mae Nam, who they believe will bring good luck. This ties in with the romantic element of Loy Krathong which stems from a legend about Nang Nopamas, who was a royal consort to King Ramkhamhaeng (founder of Sukhothai).
Loy Krathong is definitely a night for love as well, as couples share the evening floating Krathongs, lighting paper lanterns and of course enjoying each others company.
Many Thai’s dress up in traditional Thai clothing for the evening and this is with out a doubt a sight to behold. I spent the evening walking around Pattaya and on the Beach, I even snuck into a hair salon to watch the ladies get their make up and hair done to match their beautiful traditional Thai dress.
It was an amazing night, and one that I think everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime…especially with a loved one.
More Loy Krathong pictures below and even more in the Thailand Gallery Loy Krathong 2010.
P.S. Check out the Thailand Video Gallery later for several 2010 Loy Krathong videos.
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You got some beautiful shots Talen. And it looks like you had a great time this Loy Krathong! I’m afraid I had to skip it this year. What I’d love to do is go up north where they do the lanterns (it’s what I planned to do this year but had to give it a miss). Pity the lanterns are not biodegradable as they were in past years.
Catherine´s last blog ..The Grumpy Expat- Raising Turkeys in Thailand
Thanks Cat. I Had a great time. Definitely my favorite Thai festival.
I’d love to spend Loy Krathong in Chang Mai next year myself. Speaking of non biodegradable I wonder how bad the beach and ocean looked this morning around Pattaya…not so pretty I’m thinkin.
Sounds like a perfect idea for a followup post…
Catherine´s last blog ..The Grumpy Expat- Raising Turkeys in Thailand
Cat, it probably would be except my lazy ass didn’t go anywhere near the beach yesterday…had school and been working on a bunch of upcoming posts.
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Hope you had a nice holiday! Loy Kratong is quiet nice up here too!
Can’t wait for the King’s birthday – I get the day off!
Oh and happy turkey day
Your post reminds me of my first Loy Krathong in Pattaya.
Standing on the old pier looking down the beach I thought this looks like the D-day landing.
Always my favorite holiday – much more beautiful and relaxing than Songkran !