Others overlook its origin and instead focus on the purposes of the ritual: to pay respect to the Goddess of the Water showing their gratitude on their plentiful use of water and ask for forgiveness in the ensuing pollution. Floating the beautiful Krathong away, which is the key activity in Loy Krathong, also refers to flying away misfortune and bad things in the past and asking for good luck in the future. Although it is not a national holiday, many activities other than floating Krathong, are conducted during this festival. Examples of these activities are contests activities are contests involving Krathong-making and Noppamas beauty pageants, local games and performances and fireworks.
Loy Krathong in Bangkok
In Bangkok you will never miss a Loy Krathong festival. Popular places for Loy Krathong include Chao Phraya River, Rama IIX Bridge, Santichaiprakan Park on Phra Artit Road, Benjasiri Park or Queen's Park on Sukhumvit Road, Benjakiti Park on Ratchada Pisek Road and other waterways and universities. These venues tend to have a lot of people and it could be very crowded. Many of the hotel and waterside restaurant offer Loy Krathong dinners and cruises. If you don't want to go into the crowd, you can still view the Loy krathong celebrations virtually at http://www.loikrathong.net. As the end of the year draws nearer, the more preparations and setting up there are for this festival. Have fun!
Photo by Hartfried Schmid, Loy Krathong in Lumpini Park
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