Advertorial Your guide to celebrating Loy Krathong this year

[ASEAN NOW Sales]

 

 

Picture dozens of beautiful, lotus-shaped rafts (krathongs) decorated with an array of flowers and lighted candles drifting along rivers and canals. The full moon of the 12th lunar month (falling on November 19th this year) illuminates the night sky as people gather to pay respects to the goddess of water by floating (loy) said krathongs. It’s no wonder that Loy Krathong is referred to as the festival of lights in Thailand.

 

As this magical sight is definitely not to be missed, our friends from Pacific Prime Thailand are here to tell you how to celebrate the Loy Krathong festival in 2021.

 

The significance of Loy Krathong in Thailand

 

Let’s begin by unpacking Loy Krathong’s significance. Traditionally, the festival occurs at the end of the main rice harvest season so people thank the goddess of water for a year’s worth of abundance and apologize for polluting the waters. Some also symbolically “float away” negative feelings like anger and resentment. Legend also has it that if the candle stays alight whilst the krathong is still in sight then this will usher in a year of good luck and fortune for the individual.

 

A word about the Yi Peng festival

If you head up to Chiang Mai (or other provinces in northern Thailand), you’ll also see lanterns in the sky this time of year*. Known as the ‘Thai Lantern Festival’, Yi Peng festival was celebrated since the time of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. In those days, lanterns were used to signal the end of the dark, rainy season and the transition to lighter and cooler times. Nowadays, it’s often incorporated into the festivities of Loy Krathong.

 

*Due to COVID-19 safety measures, lanterns won’t be allowed this year.

 

Float a krathong and join in the festivities

So, how does one celebrate Loy Krathong? Simple. Buy a krathong (there should be plenty on sale near bodies of water), head to a river, lake, or canal, and float your krathong. Many places also host cultural activities such as traditional thai dance, krathong-making competitions, and beauty pageants. If you’re up north, you can also release a lantern. That being said, some people have started doing so in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand.

 

One popular venue in Bangkok is Asiatique, where you'll find incredible shows. The main event includes a retelling of the Loy Krathong history through music and dance, as well as an impressive krathong release procession. Other options are community malls and piers along the Chao Phraya river, or even parks with big lakes like Benjasiri Park, Benjakitti Park, and Lumpini Park. The city’s temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun are also a good bet for a night to remember.

 

Note: You may also want to check out riverside hotels for Loy Krathong events, which tends to be more exclusive as an experience.

 

Making your own krathong

If you like to get crafty and unleash your creativity, you can also make your own krathong. You’ll need a banana tree trunk for the base, banana leaves (the folded pieces are placed around the krathong), and flowers as deocrations. In the center of the krathong, you can add a lit candle and three incense sticks, as well as items like a lock of hair or finger nail to get rid of negative energy from the past. You can also add coins as a way to make merit and welcome wealth.

 

Note: Whether you’re buying or making your krathong, it’s important to stick to biodegradable materials to avoid polluting the environment. Stay clear from krathongs that are made from styrofoam.

 

Staying safe during the celebrations

 

Celebrations are happy and fun times, where one tends to let one’s guard down. But it’s equally important to prioritise health and safety. An expat health insurance plan from Pacific Prime Thailand gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered. Contact their team of insurance experts today for unbiased advice, a free quote, and help every step of the way!