Loi Krathong in Pattaya

Loy Krathong is a festival that held on full moon of the twelfth month. It is celebrated according to the traditional Thai lunar calendar. The festival falls in the month of November according to the western calendar. ‘Loi’ means ‘to float’ while ‘Krathong’ is a raft. Traditionally this is made out of a banana tree trunk. This is decked up with folded banana leaves, incense sticks, flowers, candles, etc. At the night when full moon is visible many people float a decorated raft like this. Some contests are often organized where the corporations, Governmental offices and also some other organizations build larger rafts. During this festival Thais organized some fireworks and beauty contests. This festival resemble with the Hindu festival Deepavali as here you can see lots of light and fireworks.

In 1863, H.M. King Rama IV has written that in actual the Brahmanical festival was adjusted by Buddhists in Thailand. It can be said that besides the Buddha matter, this floating of the candle raft also symbolizes that one’s anger, grudges and all bad things are going. It indulge the person to start his life afresh with a new vigor. Some people also cut their hair and nails and add it to the raft. By this gesture they try to proof that all bad body parts are going with the raft. It’s a general believe that Krathong will generate some good luck. They do it with full respect and also thank water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha.

‘Noppamas Queen Contests’ is the name of the beauty contest. The legend says Noppamas was a associate of Sukothai king Loethai in fourteenth century. She was the first person who floated Krathong. The start of vegetable carving is also related to Loi Krthong festival. This festival was first started in Sukhothai but now it is celebrated throughout Thailand. Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya is very popular. Chiang Mai Loi Kratong alias ‘Yi Peng’ is very famous. Every year millions of people gather to float the Krathong in the water and they do it in extreme happiness.