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@ tao garden | 7th December 2008
Loy Krathong is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar.
In the western calendar this usually falls in November. "Loy" means "to float". "Krathong"
is a raft about a handspan in diameter traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk,
decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense sticks etc.
During the night of the full moon, many people will release a small raft like this on a river.
The act of floating away the candle raft is symbolic of letting go of all one's grudges, anger
and defilements, so that one can start life afresh on a better foot. People will also cut their
fingernails and hair and add them to the raft as a symbol of letting go of the bad parts of oneself.
Many Thai believe that floating a krathong will create good luck, and they do it to honor and
thank the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha.
The beauty contests that accompany the festival are known as "Noppamas Queen Contests".
According to legend, Noppamas was a consort of the Sukothai king Loethai (14th century) and
she was the first to float decorated krathongs.
In Chiang Mai Loi Kratong is also known as "Yi Peng". Every year thousands of people
assemble to float the banana-leaf krathong onto the waterways of the city, honouring the
Goddess of Water. A multitude of Lanna-style hot-air lanterns (khom fai) are also launched
into the air where they resemble large flocks of giant fluorescent jellyfish gracefully floating
by through the skies. These are believed to help rid the locals of troubles and are also taken to
decorate houses and streets.
All guest are invited to make The KraThong while all materials are prepared by Tao Garden.
 
Ancient Lanna Market (Kad-Mua) selling various kinds of local products
 
 
Show on stage:
Klong Sabad Chai
 
Sueng Katip (The folk dances in the north-eastern part of Thailand) & Fon Tuen (Chiangmai)
 
Voted Tao Garden Noppamas Queen 2008
 
Thai Dance (Ram-Wong) and Krathong floating
 
 
coming soon video version!
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