Loi Krathong in Chiang Mai City

November 1986

Loi Krathong in 1986, Chiang Mai

The Loy Krathong Festival is Thailand's most beautiful and meaningful celebration.

It is a festival of light, of public fireworks and millions of candle flames flickering and moving in gentle water currents.

Loy Krathong takes place on the full moon in November.

Loi Krathong Parade at night through the Chiang Mai streets.

Each village sent their decorated car with color lanterns, flowers and big krathong some village also has the traditional dancing and music band to joint the parade as homage to Lord Buddha and Goddess of River.

By the end of the evening, there are hundreds of flickering lights bobbing up and down on the water.

This Festival is a 13th century Sukhothai tradition of Brahmin origin to give thanks to the Goddess of water and to seek forgiveness for misdeeds.

This tradition is strong in agricultural societies where the river gives life and sustenance in a close bond between Man and Nature.

During the evening, many people come to the river to float their krathongs. People usually make a wish at the same time. They believe this will bring them good luck.

As each individual's krathong floats away, it is time to say goodbye to old regrets and to look forward to a brighter future.

The krathongs (photo above) contain a flower, a candle and three incense sticks. The sticks are lighted before being placed on the water.