Thailand’s charms are many. Besides its beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and wonderful food, Thailand is also a land of numerous entertaining festivals.
These festivals not only help the country in preserving its ancient traditions, but also attract a large number of foreign tourists. One such festival that attracts tourists in large numbers is the Loy Krathong Festival which is celebrated to pay respects to Lord Buddha. This year the festival will be held from 24th-26th November throughout the country, and will involve everything from boat races to lantern processions and beauty contests. Here’s shedding some light on the major highlights of this year’s festival.
Releasing Floating Lanterns into the River
One ritual that is performed every year is releasing floating lanterns in rivers, lakes and the sea. While some perform this ritual in the belief that it would cleanse their sins, others do this to honour the goddess of water for the year’s agricultural produce. Whatever the reason be, this ritual is performed by most people.
Exciting Boat Races & Fireworks Display
Exciting boat races are held throughout the country during the Loy Krathong Festival. River Ping is where you can catch some of the most exciting races. The prizes are big and the atmosphere is full of fun, so entertainment is guaranteed. The event is signed-off with an extravagant fireworks display.
Grand Krathong Parade
One of the most high profile events of the festival is the Grand Krathong Parade that starts from Thapae Gate and ends at the Chiang Mai Municipality Office. The event is also covered extensively by the media and this adds zing to the whole scenario.
Contests, contests, contests!
The festival organizers also make sure that there are lots of contests including hot-air balloon contest, beauty contest, handmade Krathong contest and many more. The basic idea is to make the festival entertaining for young crowds, something that the festival has successfully achieved in the past few years.
Thailand is a year-round tourist destination, and come November the hotel and flight prices go sky-high. So make all your bookings in advance, and if possible join the festivities along with the locals as that’s the best way to gain insights into the festival.
