Lighting up the night for Loy Krathong

Thailand is abuzz with excitement as the much-anticipated Loy Krathong celebrations kick off with the “Delightful Colours of the River, Loy Krathong Celebrations 2023” festival.

Loy Krathong, often referred to as the Festival of Lights, is more than just a celebration—it’s a grand expression of gratitude to Ganga, the water goddess, for the vital role water plays in Thai culture. This annual event takes place on the night of the full moon in the 12th month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar, which this year falls on November 27.

Imagine millions of Thais preparing to launch beautifully decorated floats, known as krathongs, on the water. Alongside these floating offerings, they extend their apologies to the Goddess Ganga, a personification of the river, for any past slip-ups, such as water pollution. This festival seamlessly blends tradition with modern vibes, featuring fireworks, captivating light shows, and cultural events that leave you in awe. And it’s not just for the locals; tourists enthusiastically join the fun.

From the heart of the country to the bustling cities, brace yourself for fireworks and entertainment that transforms Loy Krathong into a dazzling spectacle. Here’s a glimpse into some of the most happening celebrations.

BANGKOK

Get ready for a splash of colour along the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal from November 24 to 28, as Loy Krathong Celebrations 2023 light up the scene. The excitement doesn’t stop there—between November 25 and 27, the Chao Phraya River will be aglow, playing host to the Bangkok River Festival 2023 and ICONSIAM Chao Phraya River of Eternal Prosperity.

Joining the festivities are five bustling piers along the Chao Phraya River, each contributing to the vibrancy of the River Festival. These hotspots include Asiatique The Riverfront, SOOKSIAM at ICONSIAM, The Lhong 1919 Riverside Heritage Destination, Tha Maharaj, and Yodpiman River Walk. Brace yourself for a lineup of concerts, shows, and cultural events that promise to make this Loy Krathong unforgettable.

CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai’s skies and waterways will come alive with the soft glow of floating lanterns from November 26  to 28 as the North celebrates both Loy Krathong and the Yi Peng Festival. These two vibrant festivals coincide, creating a magical atmosphere in the city. The night sky in Chiang Mai will be adorned with the ethereal light of khom loi, floating lanterns launched by local Lanna folk to honour the mythical Chulamanee Pagoda in heaven.

The main venue for the Yi Peng Festival is Tha Phae Gate, where you can witness the breathtaking spectacle of lanterns filling the sky. Meanwhile, the Loy Krathong celebration takes place at Sri Khong pier, where people set afloat sapao, small handcrafted sailing ships, and krathongs on the Ping River. The festivities promise a sensory delight with cultural shows, lively processions, beauty pageant, fireworks, and elaborate decorations that will captivate the entire city.

AYUTTHAYA

The city of Ayutthaya sets the stage for a captivating Loy Krathong celebration. Picture yourself adorned in a traditional Thai costume, offering prayers for forgiveness to the river goddess. Gently release your exquisite flower krathong onto the water with the ancient city of Ayutthaya providing a breathtaking backdrop.

Loy Krathong festivities grace multiple locations within this historic city, with noteworthy highlights including traditional Thai folk dances and cultural performances at Wat Sam Ruan and the picturesque Phu Khao Thong Reservoir. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and vibrant energy of this celebration against the backdrop of Ayutthaya’s ancient charm.

SUKHOTHAI

The ideal spot to celebrate Loy Krathong is undoubtedly where it all started. Sukhothai, the former capital of the Thai kingdom, is the birthplace of this cherished festival. Set against the mesmerizing backdrop of ancient ruins, the festivities at Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, promise a unique experience.

Highlights include a captivating light-and-sound cultural show, spectacular fireworks, and engaging onstage performances. Keep an eye out for the Miss Noppamas beauty pageant, a nod to the legend that traces Loy Krathong’s roots to Noppamas, a consort of Sukhothai’s 14th-century king, Loethai. Legend has it that she was the first to float an adorned raft, laying the foundation for the Loy Krathong tradition.

TAK

In the northern province of Tak, Loy Krathong takes on a unique twist with its tradition of krathong sai, or krathong “strings”. Residents creatively assemble entire fleets of coconut-shell lanterns, each fuelled by paraffin. These luminous creations are then lit and set adrift down the river. The prime location to experience this spectacle is the Sompot Krung Rattanakosin 200 Years Bridge.

Here, you can revel in the brilliance of fireworks and cheer for your favourite krathong sai. Immerse yourself in the festivities with activities like the krathong sai water procession and the thrilling 1,000 krathong sai contest known as Krathong Sai Lai Prathip. Tak offers a unique and exciting twist to the traditional Loy Krathong celebration.

SAMUT SONGKHRAM

In the quaint town of Samut Songkhram, simplicity and charm take centre stage during its unique Loy Krathong celebration. The locals have crafted their krathongs using only banana leaf sheaths and candles, turning something simple into a symbol of their heartfelt offerings. Join the festivities at Phumarin Kudeethong temple, where cultural performances, lively folk dance competitions, and a dazzling procession come together under the full moon.

Picture thousands of these banana leaf sheath krathongs lighting up the night, adding a magical touch to the festivities. It’s a charming experience that captures the essence of Samut Songkhram’s unpretentious beauty.

By Thai PBS World Feature Desk