Buzz
Every December full moon lights up the sky across the Thai Kingdom with thousands of lanterns and rivers glisten with floating flower boats.
Loi Krathong is celebrated as the second-largest festival of the year in Thailand, following the traditional Songkran, and is one of the most beautiful and ancient festivals of the Thai Kingdom.
A krathong typically includes food, betel nuts, betel leaves, flowers, incense, candles, and coins. Regardless of the materials used, krathongs are intricately decorated with folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense. Occasionally, some loose change is also placed inside as an offering to the river spirits. Throughout the full moon night, Thais release these krathongs into rivers, canals, or ponds.
Loi Krathong is celebrated most prominently in four provinces: Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok. In each city, Loi Krathong is organized with various activities.
In Chiang Mai, the Loi Krathong festival features a unique ritual of releasing Lanna-style sky lanterns (resembling lotus flowers) using hot air. It is believed that as these lanterns float away, they carry away the worries of the community.
In Tak, a province bordering Myanmar, locals have a tradition of creating 'krathong sai' or 'misfit lanterns' to float on the Ping River, forming a shimmering chain of light. Additionally, this festival is also held in certain areas of Laos and Myanmar (Shan State).
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Source: Travel Guide by Mytour – Via dulichvietnam.com
MytourDecember 12, 2013
