Loi Krathong Festival in Thailand welcomes Buddha as it was the time when he came back to the world
It was rightly said, ‘The moon is a loyal companion.’ And it turns out to be true especially with the Loi Krathong Festival in Thailand. It is believed that the festival originated in Sukhothai, the first Thai capital. The event is held on a full-moon night of the 12th lunar month as it makes the rivers appear clearer.
It is probably the most picturesque and beautiful of all Thai celebrations. ‘Loi’ literally means ‘to float,’ while ‘Krathong’ refers to the lotus-shaped receptacle, which can float on the water. It is believed that a full moon night is auspicious and suitable for floating the Krathongs amid the breathtaking ruins of the ancient city.
Other activities during the festival include a fireworks display, cultural performances and a light and sound shows.
Although celebrated nationwide, the festival is particularly delightful in the provinces of Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya and Bangkok. Many riverside hotels and restaurants also hold special celebrations for their guests in Bangkok. For a more stunning night of Loi Krathong, tourists are invited to take part in this yearly festival and join the crowds along the Chao Phraya River.
In the northern and north-eastern parts of Chiang Mai, the villagers often float lanterns. They are made of coloured sheets. Smoke is used for floating lanterns during the day while a torch is used to smoke lanterns during the night. One can view the lights from lanterns in the sky in the backdrop of moonshine and the beautiful stars’ glitter at night.
There are certain legends of the Loi Krathong as well. As per Brahma, the festival aims at worshipping the god of river. It welcomes Buddha as it was the time when he came back to the world and stayed at the temple during the rainy season at the second heaven ruler to teach his mother.
It is also celebrated to fly away misfortune and bad things in the floating ceremony. It is celebrated to worship the footprints of the Buddha on Nammathanati River beach in India.
On the day, Thais from all walks of life gather at their nearest rivers with krathongs in hands. They light candles, put some coins in the krathong and silently make a wish.
So what makes the timing right?