Loi Kratong in Chiang Mai
Girls releases her flower kratong onto the Ping
Loi Krathong is one of the most magical festivals of the year in Thailand, and there is no better place to celebrate it that in the northern city of Chiang Mai. The festival takes place on just one special full moon evening in November, when people gather on the banks of the Ping River and other waterways.
The Loi Krathong festival dates back more than 700 years and coincides with the end of the rainy season as well as the rice harvest. This is the time for the people of Thailand to start afresh and put the hardships of the monsoon behind them as they look forward to a plentiful harvest and the magic of the cool, dry season.
The word loi means ‘to float’ in the Thai language, while krathong is the name given to small vessels made of lotus roots. The people of Chiang Mai and the rest of Thailand either create their own krathongs or purchase them already made from vendors that line the streets. These krathong are then floated on waterways as an apology to Phra Mae Khongkha, who is the Goddess of Water. The act of launching the vessel on the water and watching as it floats away also symbolizes the letting go of anger and other bad feelings.
Although the Loi Krathong celebrations only last for one evening, the preparations often last for several days. School children particularly look forward to this festival, as their lessons are transformed into demonstrations on how to make the special vessels and memorising and singing the special song that accompanies the event.
Just after the sun sets the people of Chiang Mai make their way to the edge of the Ping River to release their krathongs. A small candle and sticks of incense are placed in the centre of the vessel along with either one or two 10 baht coins. After the candle and the incense are lit, it is time to launch the vessel on the surface of the water. Take care to make sure that your vessel doesn’t sink, as this is believed to be extremely bad luck.
Once launched, the krathong drifts onto the water and weaves around the hundreds of others that can already be found there. The dancing light of the candle reflected on the surface of the water creates a magical and romantic atmosphere. While people of all ages enjoy Loi Krathong, it is also a good time for young lovers to get together to celebrate.
Kom loy are sent soaring into the night sky
The beautiful mulberry paper lanterns known as kom loy are also a famous symbol of Loi Krathong. While there are several different types of kom loy, one of the most popular features a small bowl underneath filled with oil as well as a cloth.
The oil and cloth are ignited, while small groups of people gather together to hold the sides of the lantern out. When the lantern is full of hot air it is ready to release. As the lantern floats up into the sky it is believed to take the sinners along with it. Many people also believe that if they say a prayer at this time it will be granted.
Another way of making merit during the Loi Krathong is by releasing turtles into special pools and pounds. This is a special Chinese tradition, which is followed by many of the people in Chiang Mai and other parts of Thailand.
One of the things that makes Chiang Mai’s Loi Krathong celebrations truly special are the processions of special decorated floats that parade through the streets. These floats are made to look like giant krathongs, and people gather at the sides of the roads as the floats rumple past on their way to the Ping River.
Loi Krathong is also marked in Chiang Mai with a number of other special events, such as boat races and bamboo raft races on the Mae Ping River. The lovely ladies of the city battle it out for the crown in the annual beauty pageant, while colourful fireworks light up the sky overhead.
The people of Chiang Mai love to party, and eating and drinking also play important roles in this festival. In additional to the numerous bars and restaurants that can be found all of the city, there are also special stalls set up at this time of year that groan under the weight of local delicacies such as spiced sausage and whisky.
