subject: Celebrating The Festival Of Floating Lights [print this page] Many traditional festivals have spread out beyond the borders of the mainland and infiltrated the local cultures of its neighbors. Historical relations being an extremely influential factor in the determination of cultural practices in the region, it has been seen that many Thai traditions have been picked up in many of its South East Asian neighbors. This is mostly due to the countries having religious and spiritual affiliations to one another as well as migration.
One such example of this cultural exchange is the Loy Kratong festival that takes place annually in November each year. This festival is celebrated with much gusto in Thailand, Laos and in some parts of Malaysia. However, nowhere is it more vibrantly celebrated than in its country of origin.
The festival is celebrated during the twelfth lunar month and involves the releasing of brightly lit floats along the waterways that frame the Thai countryside. The trunk of a banana tree or, in some cases, even bread is used to make these miniature boats and they are lit up with lamps. The floats are released on a full moon day and are meant to be a mark of respect for the Goddess of Water. The festival does not end there; banquets are organized and usually end with a colorful pyrotechnics display. Sometimes, even beauty contests are organized to commemorate the day.
The origins of the festival are said to come from Buddhism, though these affiliations do not bear more than ceremonial significance. Though the Loy Kratong festival is celebrated throughout Thailand, the festival in Chiang Mai is particularly well known for its glitz and glamour.
Many Chiang Mai hotels also get into the swing of things during this period and allow their guests to experience these unique customs first-hand. A luxury Chiang Mai hotel such as the Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai also offers visitors excellent accommodation options during this period.
by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe
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