Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong is an annual Thai cultural festival celebrated to thank water
goddess Phra Mae Khongkha for the use of water in daily life. It is celebrated
during the full moon of the 12th lunar month of the Thai calendar. Loy means “to
float” while krathong is the lotus-shaped vessel, traditionally made from woven
banana leaves, although the modern-day version is made from polystyrene and
coloured paper.
The festival is held after the rice harvest by farmers and villagers while they
await the end of the rainy season.
The release of the krathong vessels in the sea symbolises the washing away of
the year’s bad luck, and renewed hope for a good year ahead.
A krathong usually contains a candle, incense sticks, flowers, coins and paper
with wishes written on it. Songs and dances filled the night as locals and
foreigners join the Penang Siamese community in the Loy Krathong celebration.
The Penang Thai community, locals and foreigners packed the famous Gurney Drive
beachfront promenade to celebrate the festivity amid a carnival-like atmosphere.
The crowd were entertained by traditional Thai music and dance, as well as
mouth-watering Thai food at the Wat Chaiya Mangalaram Buddhist Temple in Lorong
Burma.
Locals and foreigners had a good time dancing alongside Baan Luk Rom Tai College
of Fine Arts dancers prior to the procession.
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