A crowd with flickering light of candles and color of flowers decorating floating object is familiar scene in a celebration occurring in a twelfth month in lunar calendar. Loy krathong takes place on the full moon of the 12th lunar month of the thai lunar calendar november, it is one of the biggest participation events in thailand, seconded only by the thai songkran festival. The festival is celebrated nationwide by releasing lotusshaped baskets, decorated with. Loi krathong festival, the history of loi krathong festival. The ultimate guide to loy krathong, floating lantern festival, or thailand light festival. It is one of wonderful asian cultures when rivers and canals are full of water. Inspire a love of reading with prime book box for kids discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that delivers new books every 1. Loy krathong in bangkok the thai festival of lights and. Ram wong wan loy krathong ram wong wan loy krathong boon ja song hai rao suk jai boon ja song hai rao suk jai the loi krathong or floating lanterns festival takes place on the night of the full moon in the 12th lunar month, which is usually in november. Loi krathong or loy krathong is a mesmerizing festival celebrated on the full moon of the 12 th month of thai lunar calendar. Loi krathong in thailand will be celebrated on wednesday, th november in 2019. The history of loi krathong festival the celebrations as we know them today date back to the th century reign of king ramkamhaeng the great of sukhothai. The young boy in the photograph is placing a krathong, or leaf cup, into the water to celebrate loy krathong, a festival on the night of the full moon in november, the traditional celebration described in the text as a custom of long standing in thailand formerly called siam. Where to celebrate loi krathong in chiang mai lonely planet.
Day 3 events for loi krathong yee peng in chiang mai. The pulse of the planet daily radio program offers free legal online mp3 downloads, exploring the world of sound in nature, culture and science, with audio adventures, world music, extraordinary sound portraits, science diaries, and nature ringtones. Thousands upon thousands of krathongs or little floats made of banana leaves, coconut shells etc. While it appears that there is confusion over the 20 loi krathong celebrations it does not appear that they are officially canceled. A guide to thailands floating lantern festivals 2020. Our teachers know we dont have much time since it is loy krathong day. When the thai people adopted buddhism, they continued celebrating the traditional festival, and adopted its meaning to be a veneration of buddhism. I have read about it recently in some childrens books set in thailand and in another travel. After sunset, people make their way to the water to launch small lotusshaped bananaleaf or paper boats, each holding a lighted candle, a flower, joss sticks, and a small coin. In 2018 loy krathong is on thursday november 22, while celebrations will also take place on the days before and after.
It is a way to let go of ones anger, hatred and negative thoughts. Along with the related yi peng events up north, the festival is celebrated across thailand with no shortage of booze and fireworks to accompany candlelit lanterns floating on water and in the sky. Loi krathong meaning and history an extraordinary and. From the moment i landed in thailand and hopped the cab we must dash scheduled for me, i knew it was going to be one of the most relaxing and amazing experiences i. When the thai people adopted buddhism, they continued celebrating the traditional festival, and adopted its meaning to be a veneration of. The history of loi krathong festival loi krathong festival is a thai tradition which has been conducted for a long time ago. The loy krathong or the thai light festival is the biggest celebration of the year after the thai new year festival. Loy krathong and yi peng festivals, 2019 travel begins at 40. Today garn and i have come home with very little homework to do. The evening of loy krathong is one of the most picturesque festivals in bangkok. The origins of loi krathong are stated to be in sukhothai, but recently scholars have argued that it is in fact an invention from the bangkok period.
If you compare the loi krathong festival to deepavali event, both of them have their share of similarities. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over 7 different coloring. In typical designs, as long as the lantern stays upright the paper will not get hot enough to ignite, but if the balloon is tilted say, by the wind or by hitting some object, it may catch fire while still in the air. Several thai language books concerning the truth history of loy krathong have been released over the past few decades, but the ministry of. Nowadays loy krathong is more than just a quaint celebration for villagers and families. The name could be translated as to float a basket, and comes from the tradition of making krathong or buoyant, decorated baskets, which are then floated on a river. Loi krathong, loi kratong or loy krathong is a festival held annually throughout thailand on the full moon of the 12th month in thai lunar calendar. During loi krathong, thousands of small, candlelit floats krathongs are released on rivers and waterways as offerings to the river spirits. A family celebrates the loy krathong holiday together at the waters edge. Children and youth in history loy krathong celebration. Some people believe that it is originated in india, still related to the hindu. The author is a prolific and well regarded literary figure and university professor.
Nearly all the festivities take place in sukhothai historical park the old city. If you are looking to book accommodation in thailand during loy krathong an yi peng, make sure you do this well in advance. As the center of lanna kingdom with 700 years of history, all artistic and cultural performances youll get to see here are northern specialties you wouldnt normally come across for a onetime visit. In 2014 the festival is held on the 7th of november. Background loy krathong is rooted in a deep pool of animist beliefs, theravada buddhist tradition and early thailaoshan history. King rama iv in 1863, the originally brahmanical festival was adapted by buddhists in thailand as a ceremony to honour the original buddha, siddhartha gautama. Pdf learning the greatness of mother nature festival tourism. Loi krathong is a siamese festival celebrated annually throughout the kingdom of thailand. Loy krathong is a time to forgive, forget and literally launch fresh hopes into the universe. They have contests for the most beautiful krathong, and the celebration is often also.
What you need to know when planning for loi krathong, and why. Loy krathong festival in thailand loi krathong is probably one of the most meaningful and emotional festivals of the thai festival year. Loy krathong also spelled as loi krathong, thailand lantern festival, is considered the second most important festival in thailand and it is a favorite for thais and visitors as well. John shedrick other loy krathong holiday traditions include setting eels and turtles free in the river or pond. Mar 01, 2015 the loy krathong song contributes to the romantic atmosphere of this occasion. The colorful lanterns dont stay up for very long at all. Find out more about the legends and history of loy krathong and yi peng festivals. A sky lantern may land when the flame is still alight, making it a fire hazard.
Jun 14, 2019 loy krathong, sometimes spelt loi krathong, loi grathong loy kratong, loy katong is an annual event in thailand. The word loy or loi means to float, whilst krathong are small rafts or baskets. Nov 19, 2010 the sukhothai loi krathong threeday celebration from friday to sunday includes thai performing arts, music, muay thai demonstrations and parades. Loi krathong is also seen as a time to wash away sins of the past year and welcome good fortune and luck in the coming year. Facebook is showing information to help you better understand the purpose of a page. This week is the week of loy krathong day, this year it falls on nov 17th, 20. The difference with sukhothais celebrations and the rest of thailand is that loy krathong originated in sukhothai and the historic park makes a spectacular setting when it is lit up. In thailand, the festival started nearly 700 years ago. As the main rice harvest season ends, its time to thank. Nov 15, 20 we have already floated the krathong already, i would like to ask you beloved younger lady to come out and dance thai folk dance. Loy krathong in bangkok the thai festival of lights and lanterns. Loy krathong events can occur inside or outside of a school building. She supposedly lived during the reign of king sri indraditya in the midth century.
You will need to book your accommodation at least 3 three months in. How to celebrate loy krathong festival asia internship. Loi krathong has been held since the middle of the eleventh to the middle of the twelfth lunar month, which is a great flood season especially on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month. As our history books tell us, this is the time in which locals believe the rivers are filled to their fullest and the moon is at its brightest the perfect time to make merit and set your floating kratong off on the ping river, or light your lantern and make a wish for good fortune in the new year. Chiang mai is where loy krathong meets yi peng, a lantern festival celebrated alongside loy krathong. In 2019, loy krathong falls on wednesday, november festival begins on november 11, ends on november. Loi krathong 2020 guide to thailands festival of lights. Like many such festivals, there are several tales as to the history of loy krathong, which takes place on the night of the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, usually in november. Fireworks and large rafts on the chao phraya river, loi krathong festival of light, bangkok, november 2004 loi krathong takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional thai lunar calendar. In fact, there are some similarities with the indian holiday deepavali, which is also celebrated between midoctober to midnovember every year.
A krathong contains food, betel nuts, flowers, joss sticks, candle and coins. Loy krathong lantern festival chiang mai thailand gopro hero3. Nov 23, 2018 loi literally means to float, while krathong refers to the lotusshaped receptacle which can float on the water. Loi krathong festival is a thai tradition which has been conducted for a long time ago. If you happen to visit thailand this november, theres a fantastic festival you definitely cant miss loy krathong. It is the most popular festival for thailand in fall, at the end of the rainy season. Various provinces in thailand have their own localised customs on how to celebrate this ancient festival, but the overriding theme is the same.
Loy krathong festival thailand celebrate loi krathong. Thailand lantern festival loy krathong and yi peng 2019. Originally, the krathong was made of banana leaves or the layers of the trunk of a banana tree or a spider lily plant. It is a good idea to go for a public park since there is no entrance fee and the majority of thai people usually celebrated there, so you will surely get the glimpse of locality and the real atmosphere of. This video is produced by the folks at tourism authority of thailand and the official website for loi krat. It is a light festival or known as thailand lantern festival in thailand on the full moon day in november. In the rose of the north, where loi krathong has fused with the traditional lanna northern thai yee peng festival. I have traveled to many countries over the years and it can get stressful worrying about transportation and lodging all the time.
Loy krathong 2020 festival of lights lantern dates. Loy krathong is celebrated nationwide, so most of the public parks are open late night for the festival. Loy krathongyi peng festivals explained by a tour guide. Known as thai festival of lights, loy krathong is one of thailands most enchanting and the second bestknown festival after its new years festival songkran. Some believe that krathong was first created by tao sri chulalak or nang noppamas in sukothai. In chiang mai and other parts of northern thailand, the loi krathong festival also coincides with a lanna festival known as yi peng. The festival takes place on the eve of the full moon during the 12 th month in the traditional thai lunar calendar. Loi krathong takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional thai lunar calendar, thus the exact date of the festival changes every year. As explained above, a krathong is a little ship made from banana leaves, and loy is to. Loi krathong 2015 takes place on the of november and presents the opportunity to pray to the water spirits and let negative thoughts float away.
Loi krathong is a siamese festival celebrated annually throughout the kingdom of thailand and in nearby countries with significant southwestern tai cultures. Loi krathong article about loi krathong by the free dictionary. Yee peng festival yi peng chiang mai lantern festival. The tradition of making the krathong, or floating lotus, is maintained by a handful of louisiana residents of thai lineage. Loi krathong takes place on the day of the november full moon this year the festival is celebrated 11 november thru november. Thailand lantern festival actually consists of two traditional ceremonies. Khom loi floating sky lanterns setting sail into the night sky.
If you are not sure what this festival is, click here to learn more about it i have been hearing the loy krathong song everywhere i go and also in the local tv. I just legitimately freaked myself out by referencing the it moviebook. The history of loy krathong festival the precise origin of loy krathong festival is rather obscure, but it is widely believed to have begun in the ancient capital sukhothai during the th or 14th century. Both festivals offer floating baskets to river deities to express gratitude, thankfulness, and the desire for forgiveness.
Loy krathong sometimes written as loi krathong is a festival celebrated annually in thailand, and in some parts of myanmar burma and laos. Nov 23, 2007 karaoke video of thailands loi krathong festival. If you want to see loy krathong in sukhothai, remember to book hotels well ahead. There are various accounts of how and why the festival started, but it is thought that it was created by buddhists in thailand in. With the night sky covered with brightlylit lanterns and krathongs floating on the water, every corner of thailand brims with joy and vibrance of the festival.
All you need to know about thailands loy krathong festival. The loy krathong festival is one of the most interesting and fascinating festivals in thailand. Celebrated nationwide, loy krathong is probably thailands most beautiful and enchanting festival. Loi krathong at thong lo theres not a year that goes by that thai locals miss celebrating loi krathong. Its when people gather around lakes, rivers and canals to pay respects to the goddess of water by releasing beautiful lotusshaped rafts, decorated with candles, incense and flowers onto the water. A theatrical telling of loy krathongs history in thai. Many thais will give thanks to the water goddess for the fortune of having water while others will ask for forgiveness for using too much or contaminating it. The chiang mai loy krathong classic tour focuses on the more traditional sights of chiang mai, lamphun and lanna. The loy krathong parades in chiang mai greatly showcase its pride. Theres a display of traditional thai fireworks and the whole thing ends with krathong floats being set adrift in the pools and ponds within the sukhothai historical park. The text describing the custom is from the 1968 book by phya anuman rajadhon 18881969 essays on thai folklore. Traditionally made from banana leaves or the bark of a banana tree, the krathongs usually contain a candle, incense and flowers.
Loi krathong meaning and history loi krathong takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional thai lunar calendar. Loy krathong loi kratong is a festival held in thailand on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional thai lunar calendar. The celebrations as we know them today date back to the th century reign of king ramkamhaeng the great of sukhothai. Along with several long firework displays makes loy krathong in sukhothai one of the best places to experience the festival. During the festival, in addition to the floating krathong, khom loy and khom fai fire lanterns are released into the sky by locals and tourists, because in chiang rai as in other areas of northern thailand, the popular yee peng festival is celebrated at the same time as loy krathong. The history behind the festival is complex, thais have multiple reasons to celebrate loy. Chiang mai loy krathong, also known as loy kratong is an exuberant festival held annually on the day of the full moon according to the thai lunar calendar. The dogs do not like it, but it signals to me the start of thailands most colourful and enjoyable festival held every november the twelfth lunar month of the thai year when there is a full moon. The first krathong was created by nang noppamas a beautiful consort of the kings grandson, king lethai. We are able to come to your school, possibly with one or more of our thai teachers, teach about the festival, and then help organize a loy krathong festival of your own.
Follow this brief guide loy krathong 2018 and be a part of the most. During thailands loi krathong festival, we hear the regular sound of firecrackers going off throughout the day, but more particularly at night. Loy krathong is a magical holiday for both grownups and children. The history of loi krathong the most persistent origin of loi krathong revolves around a court lady called nopphamat. Dec 16, 2014 watch in hd the amazing lantern festival loi krathong in chiang mai, thailand takes place every year in november during full moon. It is believed that loy krathong, or the festival of light, originated in the ancient city of sukhothai, located about five hours north of bangkok. Your guide to loi krathong thailands lantern festival. In the western calendar this usually falls in november. It is not necessarily a religious holiday, but you will see many thais praying to the water goddess, mae khongkha, as they send their decorated boats down the river. Various provinces in thailand have their own localized customs on how to celebrate this ancient festival, but the overall theme is the same. The aweinspiring origin and history of the loi krathong festival in. For those wishing to attend loy krathong in sukhothai its highly advisable to book your. According to legend, a consort of king sri indraditya named nang nopphamat was the first to float a decorative basket with candle.
Write around the world stories, photos, tips and tricks from adventures around the world. The history behind the festival is complex, and thais celebrate it for many reasons. The loi krathong festival is originally a brahmin festival dedicated to the worship of the gods shiva, vishnu, and brahma. The text describing the custom is from the 1968 book by phya anuman. Children and youth in history loy krathong celebration photograph. Krathong float kurusabha printing press little nang noppamas lord buddhas topknot loy kamode loy krathong celebrations loy krathong day loy krathong festival loy krathong song merit monks nammada river national culture commission november occasion offerings office ok phansa. Loi krathong is an ancient festival held under a full moon throughout thailand, considered to be the loveliest of the countrys festivals. Loi krathong s history is still up for debate, but many believe it started as a brahman ritual which, over the centuries, evolved into a celebration of buddha. Loy krathong by choral octavo sheet music for 2part choir. Sukhothai celebrates loy krathong loi krathong a festival of light every year like most of north thailand. If you want to see loy krathong in sukhothai, remember to book hotels well ahead of time as it is a popular tourist destination with a limited number of hotels.
Loy krathong thailands most picturesque and romantic. Loy krathong, thailands most beautiful holiday festival. It can happen at the same time it is happening in thailand or it can happen at any time of the year. It is believed the origins of loi krathong come from india. Loi krathong is beautiful and holds a great historical, religious and. A guide to chiang mai loy krathong festival 2019 yee peng. Citynews tourism authority of thailand tat has confirmed that major loy krathong events in chiang mai will not be cancelled or postponed.
We offer a scheduled chiang mai loy krathong package tour. Loi literally means to float, while krathong refers to the lotusshaped receptacle which can float on the water. Loy krathongou loi kratong, em tailandes e um festival celebrado anualmente em toda a tailandia. Loi krathong is one of the most meaningful and emotional festivals in thailand. Loi krathong is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. Others overlook its origin yet focus on the purposes of the ritual. Loy krathong has an unequalled charm and mystique, whether it is celebrated on a grand scale in a major city or quietly in a small village of just a few rude huts, but for a truly breathtaking experience, the north of thailand is the place to go. Floating baskets made of biodegradable material, or krathongs, are sent down a river, usually with a candle, a coin, and decorated beautifully with flowers. The celebration of the loi krathong festival airpaz blog. Enter your dates in our flight and hotel comparison engine to search hundreds of sites for the best deals. Loi krathong thai holiday floating lanterns made of plant materials see. Loy loy krathong loy krathong is here and everybody full of cheer were together at the klong each one with his krathong as we push away we pray we. In thailand, and other tai countries, theres a loi krathong festival that takes place every year around the time of the 12th full moon of the year.
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