Lights and #famjam
Loi Krathong
One of the most visually mesmerizing festival in the world, Loi Krathong was celebrated in Bangkok on 22nd November, 2018. Locals say that it is most popular festival in Thailand for fall.
Thousands of candle lit and incense stick embedded floats are released into waters and lakes as offering for the river spirit. In Chiang Mai and Northern parts of Thailand, Loi Karthong festival also coincides with the Lanna festival known as Yi Peng, which involves launching of thousands of fire-powered paper lanterns into the air for good luck. The sky appears to be full of burning stars, creating a beautiful and surreal view. Reaching Chiang Mai can be a little difficult due to limited connectivity, hence be prepared to plan it in advance.
There are perpetual fireworks in the sky in the background that make the setting even more vibrant.
Krathongs are small decorated floats made from dried bread or banana leaves that are placed in the river with a candle embedded in it. The intent is to demonstrate gratitude to the water Goddess as well as ask for forgiveness as a result of celebration. People generally make a wish before floating those lit floats in the water. Krathongs are available in various sizes and prices.
We celebrated the festival in two most popular places in Bangkok. The first being Lumphini Park which is a central park of Bangkok. This place had more families coming to release Krathongs in the lake. Here you can find a lot of families along the side of the lake. We released a Krathong here in the lake. The second place we went to was Asiatique, a popular tourist destination in Bangkok, full of tourists shops, ferris wheel and open cafes/bars. This place was full of tourists and over crowded. This is on the banks of Chao Phraya River. People lowered their Krathongs using a wooden stick on the river. The place was vibrant with many live performances going along the riverside.
The festival also indicates the blowing of winds indicating sea journey for the fall. So, next time you plan a visit to Thailand, try coming in this time of the year.
