Loy Krathong--Festival of Lights

    Sanuk, that great Thai word for fun, enjoyment. When in Thailand, it seems that every week brings one festival or another in the North, the South, the Korat or all over the country. The Thai people love to have fun, and we're glad they do!

    One festival celebrated all over the country is Loy Krathong--Festival of Lights. It is held during the full moon each November. This year, the event fell on November 22^nd. Loy means "to float" and krathong means "leaf cup." Throughout the Kingdom, millions of people fill rivers, streams, canals and lakes with small lotus-shaped floats, often made of banana leaves. These little vessels carry candles, incense and a small coin on their watery journeys. Custom suggests that no one will bother your little boat, although a small child will be allowed to liberate the coin and put it to more pragmatic use.

    While the celebration had its origins in Sukhothai, Siam's first capital, about 800 years ago, the original meaning is unclear and subject of debate. Rural villagers feel the festival honors the River Goddess, as their lives depend so much on river water for drinking, washing and generally making a living. Some Buddhists commemorate Lord Buddha leaving his footprints on the banks of the Nammatha River during the full moon of the 12^th month; thus they float lanterns in the water. Others believe the significance lies in the Brahmin tradition of floating away evil.

    Whatever, the event is beautiful and good fun. In Pattaya, William and David, the owners of ICON Boutique Hotel, held a wonderful festival on November 22^nd, poolside at the hostelry. While the pictures here, courtesy of William, show the krathong being placed in a swimming pool and not a river or canal, they do illustrate the beauty of the whole ceremony.

    Guests were treated to an elaborate Thai buffet while popular singer, Chris, entertained. Later the Icon dance troupe performed a special number. The owners consider their staff "family" and everyone participated in the floating of a special flower-bedecked krathong--from cooks to dancers. Later, each guest was given their own krathong so they could participate as well.                                                                   

   All the guidebooks state that this unique festival is best experienced in the north, around Chiang Mai. That may be so, but the ICON Hotel experience wasn't chopped liver. (Special thanks to Allen Briggs of Pattayagay.com and the ICON Hotel for help and images for this page).          

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Last updated: January 10, 2000.