THAILAND: Thousands of lanterns illuminate the skies over Thailand

Thailand celebrated Loi Krathong on Saturday (November 24), a dazzling festival of light traditionally held on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month. During the festival people toss their troubles into the "krathong", which are traditionally lotus-shaped vessels made from banana leaves laden with candles, flowers, money and burning incense. The krathong are then floated ("loi") away down the river, along with people's troubles. The picturesque festival is celebrated along waterways, lakes and ponds throughout the country, though there are various regional twists to the festivities. In the northern city of Chiang Mai, for example, people release thousands of balloon-like lanterns called Yee Peng which are propelled heavenward by the heat from the flat, waxy candle at their base. Some of them trail a sparkling firework as they float up into the sky. "I know, to get rid of bad stuff. Bring in the new," said Canadian tourist Michael Sheppard, when asked what the festival was about. He was celebrating Loi Krathong in Chiang Mai. Indeed, for many of the people who take part in the festival, Loi Krathong is about more than watching the skies and rivers light up. It is about washing away ill fortune and making merit. "I can see that people still see the importance of this festival, it's time to float Krathong, release lanterns and pray," said Bangkok resident Wanwalee Nitikarn, who was in Chiang Mai for the event. Bangkok's Chao Phraya River was lit up with millions of twinkling "krathongs" and floating lanterns, while buildings and historical sites were illuminated with strings of lights and many temples along the river stayed open for late-night merit making. Brilliantly illuminated floats complemented the festivities, along with singing, dancing and fireworks' displays. In north-western Tak province, people strung together thousands of krathong made from coconut shells which formed long chains of glittering lights on the river.

ITN Source | November 26, 2007

Tags:. .lights. .leaves. .importance. .bad. .stayed