The
festival of lights
My come back “home” to the first host family after a
week away started with a very special celebration, namely with the Loi Kratong
festival night in Prasat. Similar event would take place in every town around
Thailand on the full moon night in November, when the moon is at its brightest.
'Loi'
literally means 'to float,' while 'kratong' refers to the lotus-shaped
container which can float on the water. Originally, the kratong was made of
banana leaves or a spider lily plant. A kratong can contain food, nuts,
flowers, joss sticks, candle and coins. The loi kratong ritual is simple. You light
the candles and the joss sticks, make a wish and let it float away with the
current of a river or a canal. What makes it special is that thousands of
people will gather beside the canals and rivers to do the same creating a very
unique atmosphere. It is considered a romantic night for couples who would make
a wish together to stay happily in love in the future.
Together
with Pim, Mint and a few of their friends we prepared the kratongs by ourselves
using banana leaves, flowers and candles. It was fun building the constructions
together and although mine was very simple I was proud to have it done from the
scratch J
When all of us were ready and it got dark outside we drove to Prasat. I’ve
never seen the place so crowded. The festival took place around a small artificial
lake – at the entrance was a mini amusement park and some bars with music and
on the other side I could see a big stage with dancers performing to the sound
of Thai music. In the middle of the lake – hundreds of kratongs were floating
creating a very romantic atmosphere. We found a spot at the riverbed, lit the
candles, thought a wish and let our kratongs float in the water. May the wish
come true!!!
As
we walked along the lake we passed by kratongs prepared by different schools in
Prasat – they were much bigger and so beautiful!!! The place looked wonderful
and full of magic. This was definitely one of the nights to be remembered.
Below a few pictures from the preparations and the festival:
The team :)
Work in progress
May my wish come true!
Kratongs prepared by students from Prasat schools
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