One of the most popular festivals in early November is the Loy Krathong Festival.
It takes place at a time when the weather is fine as the rainy season
is over and there is a high water level all over the country.
"Loy" means "to float" and a "Krathong"
is a lotus-shaped vessel made of banana leaves. The Krathong usually
contains a candle, three joss-sticks, some flowers and coins.
In fact, the festival is of Brahmin origin in which people offer
thanks to the Goddess of the water. Thus, by moonlight, people light
the candles and joss-sticks, make a wish and launch their Krathongs on
canals, rivers or even small ponds. It is believed that the Krathongs
carry away sins and bad luck, and the wishes that have been made for
the new year due to start. Indeed, it is the time to be joyful and
happy as the sufferings are floated away.
The festival starts in the evening when there is a full moon in the
sky. People of all walks of life carry their Krathongs to the nearby
rivers. After lighting candles and joss-sticks and making a wish, they
gently place the Krathongs on the water and let them drift away till
they go out of sight.
A Beauty Queen Contestis an important part of the festival and for this occasion it is called
"The Noppamas Queen Contest". Nppamas is a legendary figure from the
Sukhothai period. Old documents refer to her as the chief royal consort
of a Sukhothai King named "Lithai". Noppamas was said to have made the
first decorated Krathong to float in the river on the occasion.
In Bangkok, major establishments such as leading hotels and amusement
parks organize their Loy Krathong Festival and the Krathong contest as
major annual function.
For visitors to Thailand, the Loy Krathong Festivalis an occasion not to be missed. The festival is listed in the tourist
calendar. Everyone is invited to take part and share the joy and
happiness.
by : sakuya | post :
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วันอาทิตย์ที่ 3 ตุลาคม พ.ศ 2553 21:51:15
