Phuket readies for Loy Kratong Festival
Loy Kratong Festival is one of the most beautiful and charming festivals celebrated by Thais throughout Thailand every year on the evening of the full moon of the 12th lunar month. This year, Loy Kratong falls on November 25 and many Thais will head out for the nearest rivers, canals (klong) and sea to ask the water goddess Phra Mae Kongka for letting them use the rivers and canals and for forgiveness for any wrongdoing or disrespect to the goddess.
The deity is asked for forgiveness by people floating ornate floral baskets, or kratong, decorated with banana leaves, flowers, candles and, incense sticks, on the water, make a wish, and watch them float away, hoping it will bring them longevity and good luck in return for the following year.
The traditional kratong is made from a cross-section of a banana tree trunk, which is then elaborately decorated with folded banana leaves and flowers in intricate towering designs, but today kratong comes in many forms, designs and shapes which you will find in great variety for sale around the Loy Kratong festivity areas.
Most school children make their own kratong at school or with their family. They’ll even have kratong contests at school to see who can craft the most beautiful and artistic float.
The festival is believe started in Sukhothai period and passed on from generation to generation for more than 700 years for Thais to celebrate, make a wish and to look forward to a better future.
At the event, there will also be fireworks displays and at some locations the night sky will be dotted with thousands of khom loy or lanterns drifting high into the skies.
Following is a list of activities planned in Phuket to mark this beautiful evening.
Phuket Town
Phuket City Municipality this year will be holding two days of entertainment and fun festivities, on November 24-25, at Saphan Hin on the outskirts of Phuket Town.
The event kicks of at 7pm on November 24 with a traditional Nong Noppamas children’s beauty pageant on the main stage and a “moral storytelling” contest at a meeting room on the second floor of the ICT Skills Development and Learning Centre.
On Loy Kratong Day (Nov 25), there will be kratong and floral float procession, traditional kratong-making contest, a kratong-drawing competition and the official opening ceremony at 8 pm.
Patong
Patong will host its Loy Kratong Festival on a stage on Bangla Rd on November 25 from 6pm onwards. At 8pm, beautiful floral floats will parade from Jungceylon and continue along Bangla Rd to Patong Beach. On the Bangla stage will be a traditional Thai dance performance by students from Thaksin University. After the official opening of the festival, everyone will be invited to float their kratong at Patong beach.
More entertainment is lined up from 7:45pm on November 25, including a Kratong Contest, Nong Noppamas children’s beauty pageant and at 8:30pm a Noppamas Queen beauty pageant for adults.
Chalong
Chalong Municipality will host two days celebrations at Wat Tai (Ladthiwanaram Temple). The festival will begin on November 24 at 5:30pm and continue to 10pm, and include live entertainment, a Nong Noppamas children’s beauty pageant and a Kratong Contest.
On Loy Kratong Day (Nov 25), activities start at 4pm and continue until 11pm, and include a floral float parade, more live entertainment and a Noppamas Queen Contest.
Rawai
The three days of festivities will be held at the park at Nai Harn Lake. On November 23, Rawai Municipality will host the first round of Thai country music singing competition.
On November 24, the final competition of the singing competition will be held along with a a Nong Noppamas children’s beauty pageant.
A Kratong Contest and a Noppamas Queen Contest will be held on Loy Kratong Day (Nov 25).
