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Loy Krathong 2009


November is Loy Krathong month in Thailand. Thais flock to bodies of water to celebrate. This event is a nocturnal beauty; a personal fave. (Description that follows is summarized from information available in a travel site, Thailand.com)


Early evening in Nakhon province, this is a large version of an original, usually hand-held krathong


Loy Krathong, or festival of lights (other literature refer to it as water festival) is held "when the tide in the river is highest and the moon is at its brightest, creating a romantic setting for lovers."

'Loy' literally means to float, and krathong is the lotus-shaped receptacle which floats on the water.


Originally a krathong is made of banana leaves folded and spread on a slice of banana trunk. Aside from flowers, candle and joss sticks, a krathong may contain coins.


A common sight on krathong night: Thais sharing a light.

As materials become more available, krathongs have become more elaborate, especially those provided for public viewing.

The ritual is simple: candles and joss sticks are lighted, wishes are cast quietly and the krathong is released into the current of the rivers or canals.

A popular legend of Loy Krathong originates as a tribute to the goddess of water Phra Mae Kongka for her bounty; a sort of thanksgiving.


Quite picturesque and lovely, Loy Krathong is one of Thailand's most celebrated festivals; probably second only to Songkran (Thai New Year)

My thanks to Sammie for sharing her photos.

~ That's My World Tuesday is brought to you by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy, Louise and Sylvia ~

Comments

Rajesh said…
It is nice to see these beautiful snaps of festival of lights. In India we too have festival of lights.
Anonymous said…
I'm so glad you finally got pictures of this. I still have CJ pictured when you went with him. LOL. it's beautiful. Thanks for sharing :)
Jim said…
Amazing. Thanks for sharing these.
Sydney - City and Suburbs
Hazel said…
Thom, this loy krathong feature would incomplete if I didn't post photos of krathongs that are actually floating :) I'm glad a Thai friend generously lent me her shots.
Martha Z said…
These are beautiful, thank you for sharing.
Sylvia K said…
What lovely shots of a beautiful festival! Thanks for taking us along! Such marvelous colors, does look like fun!

Have a great week, Hazel!

Sylvia
Indrani said…
Very interesting Hazel, all so colorful and beautiful.
Lovely post.
Japa said…
A colorful festival. The series of photos make us understand its beauty and importance.
Reader Wil said…
This is a totally new tradition I learnt from you today! Thank you! It's very colourful too! Sharing the light, that's what we do at Christmas. Have a nice day, Hazel!
LadyFi said…
Such a wonderfully uplifting and beautiful festival.
Anya said…
I love festivals Hazel
It looks very pretty there :-)
Fantastic pictures
my compliments !!!!
Wolynski said…
Wow, these floats are spectacular - wonderful photos.
Carver said…
Looks like a fun festival. Loved the shots and narrative.
XoXo said…
ah, another tradtion I've learned here. Wish to visit and see it for my self.
Ebie said…
Thanks to your friend for sharing these photos! It gave me a full understanding and appreciation of the Thai culture. The art work and decoration is very exquisite.

P.S. I am back from hiatus!
Lindz said…
oh that's so nice and colorful, amazing, thanks

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