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Saturday ceremony on Saturday November 16, 2024

This is one of the most beautiful and popular festivals in Thailand. Loy Krathong is celebrated on the day of the full moon in November. Part of the reason for its popularity is the weather, which is quite pleasant. The temperature is mild, the monsoon rains have subsided, and there is plentiful water in the klongs (canals).

The central event in Loy Krathong is the launching of krathongs. A krathong is a small lotus-shaped vessel made of banana leaves, flowers, candles, and three incense sticks. Don't be confused by this simple description. Many krathongs are elaborate vessels that take many hours to construct. People launch the krathongs into any "large" body of water to carry away their bad luck. Prior to launching they light the candle and incense and make a wish. It is considered good luck if the krathong floats away from you.

 Loy Krathong originated about 700 years ago in the Sukhothai kingdom. Sukhothai is located about half way between Bangkok and Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand. The farmers during this period of Thai history held a festival to launch floating candles to thank the water god for the waters. This ceremony coincided with the end of the harvest season. A beautiful woman named Noppamas made the first decorated krathong using banana leaves in the shape of a lotus flower. King Lithai saw the decorated float and decreed that krathongs would be floated every year.

At Wat Tampa our festival will feature, of course, launching Krathongs into the Palm River. many other activities are planned and will be listed here once the planning for this years festival is completed. As part of the Loy Krathong Festival we usually hold the "Nopamas Queen" beauty contest.

Activities will include:

• Ms. Noppamas Pageant
• Lotus floating to honor "Phra Mae Khongha", the Thai Goddess of Water
• Traditional Thai Dancing
• Local Thai band "Song Funghong"
• Delicious authentic Thai food

The following is a list of items that are celebrated in Thailand. Enjoy!

1.  To pay respect to the footprint of Buddha found on the bank of Nammathanayi, one of the rivers in the regionof Thakkhinabot, India, which is known as Nehrabhuddha River today.

2. To pay respect to and seek forgiveness from Phra Mae Khongkha, the Water Goddess, for past misdeeds. It's also a chance to express our gratitude to the river since it provides us with water to use and drink.

3.  To worship Phra Upakut, which is highly venerated by worshippers in Northen Thailand. According to legend, after achieving nirvanna Phra Upakut went to practice meditation under the deep sea.

4.  Floating a krathong is believed to dispel bad luck as well as bring fortune. (editors note: Assumes the krathong floats away from you).

5.  Putting some coins in a krathong is believed to bring you wealth in the coming year.

6.  Loy Krathong promotes family bonding. It is a chance for us to spend time with family, friends, and loved ones.

7.  Loy Krathong promotes economy within the community, society, and nation at large.

8.  Putting nail and hair clippingsin a krathong is believed to ward off bad luck.

9.  Loy Krathong promotes handcraftsmanship, creativity, and folk wisdom by encouraging the use of natural materials.

10.  To carry on the beautiful Thai traditionthat has been passed on down to us from Sukhothai Kingdom (mid-13th century to late 14th century).

Click here to see information on the Loy Krathong Festival in Bangkok.