Loy Krathong, or the Lantern Festival, is
one of the most celebrated and glamorous cultural events in Thailand and
one that has long attracted the greatest number of travelers: to say
that it is not to be missed would be an understatement. The event takes
place in November and the date varies from year to year according to the
traditional lunar calendar used in feudal Siam. In 2010, the date was
21 November; this year the event will fall on 10 November, though if you
are looking forward to a holiday during this time you will want to be
there a few days before as well: 8 November 2011 would be an ideal
starting date. Should you be planning a Thailand visit next year, the
date will fall on 28 November 2012. Loy Krathong is a period that is so
incredibly busy, in fact, that if you want to include it on your holiday
agenda it may be prudent to book as early as six months or even one
whole year ahead. Accommodation will be at a premium, as are flight
tickets, as these events draw tourists from all over the world,
including visitors from Thailand's neighbors. Along with the end of
December and early February, this is a time where large cities in
Thailand are absolutely jam-packed.
The main event, to which the phrase "loy krathong" refers to, occurs on a night with a full moon. A krathong is a miniature raft constructed of a sectioned trunk cut from a banana tree as a base (although today's commercial krathongs are also made from bread flour and Styrofoam; the former is considered more environment friendly and has become more popular in recent years). Banana or pandanus leaves, folded in elaborate patterns, are then added to the base. The final touches include flowers woven into garlands, and this is usually the part where the craftsman or craftswoman can best show her skill. Flowers commonly used are orchids, chrysanthemums, jasmines, and daisies. Candles and incense are then added. The tradition of releasing these rafts involves the belief that doing so allows one to wash away regrets and mistakes, which are then carried down the river and out to the sea, so that one can start the new year with a clean slate. As such, it is an act of purification and spiritual cleansing. Cutting your hair or clipping your fingernails, and then adding them to your krathong, may also be done to symbolize this, although the practice is no longer popular in modern times.
Larger krathongs are used during the grand procession: these are life-sized krathongs built to accommodate young men and women as part of beauty pageants and talent shows. Such krathongs are much more elaborate than the ones commonly floated downriver and are often not floated at all, although some are. They are made of many types of material, with emphasis on design and catching viewers' attention. It is competitive in nature and makes for a memorable spectacle as such processions go through the streets of a major Thai city.
The Loy Krathong festival also coincides with what is known as "Yi Peng," a uniquely northern Thai tradition of releasing sky lanterns. Propelled by hot air, these balloons are generally made of very thin fabric or paper. The purpose of releasing them is not dissimilar to the tradition behind floating krathong: to wash away bad luck and mistakes, and bring good fortune in the coming year. During this time, visitors to northern Thailand provinces can expect to see a sky full of lanterns and fireworks, an exceptional sight rarely seen anywhere else. Tourists can also participate in this tradition, as there are no religious restrictions around it.
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The main event, to which the phrase "loy krathong" refers to, occurs on a night with a full moon. A krathong is a miniature raft constructed of a sectioned trunk cut from a banana tree as a base (although today's commercial krathongs are also made from bread flour and Styrofoam; the former is considered more environment friendly and has become more popular in recent years). Banana or pandanus leaves, folded in elaborate patterns, are then added to the base. The final touches include flowers woven into garlands, and this is usually the part where the craftsman or craftswoman can best show her skill. Flowers commonly used are orchids, chrysanthemums, jasmines, and daisies. Candles and incense are then added. The tradition of releasing these rafts involves the belief that doing so allows one to wash away regrets and mistakes, which are then carried down the river and out to the sea, so that one can start the new year with a clean slate. As such, it is an act of purification and spiritual cleansing. Cutting your hair or clipping your fingernails, and then adding them to your krathong, may also be done to symbolize this, although the practice is no longer popular in modern times.
Larger krathongs are used during the grand procession: these are life-sized krathongs built to accommodate young men and women as part of beauty pageants and talent shows. Such krathongs are much more elaborate than the ones commonly floated downriver and are often not floated at all, although some are. They are made of many types of material, with emphasis on design and catching viewers' attention. It is competitive in nature and makes for a memorable spectacle as such processions go through the streets of a major Thai city.
The Loy Krathong festival also coincides with what is known as "Yi Peng," a uniquely northern Thai tradition of releasing sky lanterns. Propelled by hot air, these balloons are generally made of very thin fabric or paper. The purpose of releasing them is not dissimilar to the tradition behind floating krathong: to wash away bad luck and mistakes, and bring good fortune in the coming year. During this time, visitors to northern Thailand provinces can expect to see a sky full of lanterns and fireworks, an exceptional sight rarely seen anywhere else. Tourists can also participate in this tradition, as there are no religious restrictions around it.
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Visiting Chiang Mai, Thailand? Find more information about the city in our tours and sightseeing guide and our Chiang Mai accommodation choices.
