According to legend, Loy Krathong or 'Festival of Lights' dated back seven centuries, when Nang Nophamas, Royal Consort of a Sukhothai King made the first Krathong out of bamboo leaves, flowers and incense sticks showed it to her King, and floated it (Loy) down the river. These days, the Thais celebrate the Loy Krathong ritual in a similar fashion. One lights the incense sticks and candles, make a wish and float the Krathong down a klong (canal or river). In Chiang Mai, the Ping River becomes a river of flickering lights and its skies a mirror with fireworks and Khom Loys, paper lanterns released into the skies similarly to a hot air balloon.
When the Yogettes and SiriKitty were in Chiang Mai last weekend, it was during the full moon in November and the whole of Thailand was celebrating the Loy Krathong Festival. On our first night, we thought we heard gun fire and mini bombs in our sleep. Turns out the exploding sounds were fireworks. The Chedi being right on the Ping River and next to a Buddhist Temple, got quite an onslaught.
Sitting on the Chedi Terrace and watching the skies above Chiang Mai explode in light on Saturday evening.
The Festival of Lights as seen on the Ping River.
Over the holidays we made friends with husband and wife, Paul and Tanya and Paul's mother, Celia, who had kindly asked us along to dinner on Saturday night when the Festival of Lights reached its peak (and quite frankly, you could not hear yourself think with the constant barrage of fireworks). If not for the indomitable enthusiasm of the Thais with their smiley faces, the whole experience would be a headache. We had dinner at La Gondola, a rather basic Italian restaurant in large rundown hotel by the river, that boasts an Italian chef, that made the food (and ice cream) authentic and delicious. We had dinner under the stars and watched fireworks and Khom Loys wishes float into the night. The roads were jam-packed full of Thais and tourists enjoying the mardi gras vibe in the air.
Street sellers with their wares. Lotus-shaped floaties made out of bamboo leaves and flowers. Three incense sticks and a candle are lit for your wishes or the sins that you want forgiven. The cheapest would be around 50 Baht (approximately B$2.50).
The Ws and their Krathongs.
The Ws and their Khom Loy. Boy monks help light them and assist in take-off.
See how they float.
Floats from La Gondola.
Despite the deafening noise the fireworks brought, we were fortunate to experience Loy Krathong at its peak. On Saturday evening the noise was mind-blowing, there was glittering light and fire everywhere, and everyone looked like they were having fun.
SiriKitty in a Tuk Tuk, watching mardi gras in Chiang Mai.
Been there my self and love it next year 2007 I'll be there again. You must be there to aperciate the festivel!
Posted by: Banluesak | Sunday, 17 December 2006 at 08:41 PM
Wish I could see festival of lights. Nice description.
Posted by: shirazi | Thursday, 16 November 2006 at 03:48 PM