FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
A Journey Through Tradition & Spirituality
The Loy Gra-thong Festival, held under the enchanting full moon of November, is a captivating and romantic highlight of Thailand's cultural calendar. This visually stunning event, illuminated by countless candles and vibrant fireworks, creates an atmosphere of communal joy and serenity. People from all walks of life gather to participate in the symbolic act of floating gra-thongs - small, decorated vessels - on waterways, releasing their worries and embracing hope and renewal. The festival's blend of tradition, beauty and collective spirit makes Loy Gra-thong an unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors alike.
The term "Loy" means to float, while "Gra-thong" refers to a container or vessel. This festival is a mesmerising sight, where water bodies across Thailand are illuminated by countless floating gra-thongs under the full moon's glow. While much of the north has incorporated an ancient Lanna tradition of floating lanterns into this festival, this is not common throughout the Kingdom and is not how the festival originated.
Myths & Legends
The origins of Thailand's Loy Gra-thong festival are shrouded in mystery and legend, with one particular tale deeply embedded in Thai folklore. This story transports us back to the 14th century Sukhothai. According to legend, Nang Noppamas, a consort of the King of Sukhothai and the daughter of a Brahmin priest, played a pivotal role in the inception of Loy Gra-thong. She is credited with crafting the first gra-thong, meticulously moulding banana leaves into the shape of a lotus flower. This creation was not just a mere decoration; it was a symbol of devotion and artistic expression. Noppamas adorned her lotus-shaped gra-thong with a candle and incense sticks, presenting this innovative gift to the king. The king, in turn, honoured this offering by setting the gra-thong afloat on a lake in Sukhothai, possibly igniting a tradition that would transcend centuries.
While this narrative is steeped in romance and historical intrigue, its factual accuracy remains a topic of debate among historians. Many consider Noppamas to be a figure of legend rather than historical fact. Yet, this doesn't diminish the festival's romantic essence in the hearts of the Thai people. Loy Gra-thong is often regarded as the quintessential romantic festival, celebrating love, hope and renewal. The legacy of Nang Noppamas, whether mythical or real, continues to be celebrated through beauty queen contests during the festival, where women vie for the honorary title of ‘Nang Noppamas'. These contests are more than just pageantry; they are an homage to a story that, true or not, forms a fundamental part of the cultural tapestry of Loy Gra-thong, weaving together the past and present in a celebration of beauty, light and cultural continuity.
Lunar Calendar
The Thai lunar calendar is known as ปฏิทินจันทรคติ or Bpa-dti-thin Jan-thra-kha-dti. It stands as a distinctive embodiment of timekeeping in Thailand, intricately woven into the cultural and religious tapestry of the nation. Rooted in the lunisolar Buddhist tradition, this calendar is pivotal in determining the dates for lunar-regulated holy days, integrating both lunar and solar cycles and ensures accuracy in aligning with the celestial movements, but also reflects the harmonious blend of astronomy, religion and culture in Thai society.
Loy Gra-thong aligns with the full moon of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar, typically landing in November. The exact date varies annually, with November 27, 2023, marking this year's celebration. While the festival is a one-day affair in most of Thailand, Chiang Mai extends the festivities over three days, adding to its grandeur.
Rituals & Celebrations
On the night of the full moon, people gather by the ocean, rivers, canals and ponds to release their gra-thongs, making wishes as they set them afloat. This ritual is believed to have been introduced in Chiang Mai in 1947 and has since become a national tradition. Government bodies, corporations and organisations participate by launching large, ornately decorated gra-thongs. The festival also features beauty contests, fireworks and competitions for the best gra-thong designs, adding a contemporary flair to the traditional event.
In the north, the release of large lanterns floating in the air has become particularly problematic, due to aircraft safety concerns. Though part of northern culture, the Wao Fai (now called Khom Fai) lanterns never belonged to the festival until possibly 15 years ago or so, when local tourism authorities incorporated the festival into local calendars.
Gra-thong - กระทง
At the heart of Thailand's mesmerising Loy Gra-thong festival lies the gra-thong itself, a unique and symbolic creation central to the celebration. Crafted traditionally from a slice of a banana tree trunk or spider lily plant, each gra-thong is about the size of a plate and is artfully decorated with intricately folded banana leaves, a vibrant array of flowers, a candle and incense sticks. These elements come together to create not just a visual delight, but a vessel of personal significance. The use of Styrofoam, due to its environmental impact, is now increasingly discouraged.
Thai people will often imbue their gra-thongs with a touch of personal essence, adding items like coins, nail clippings or hair. These personal effects are more than mere additions; they represent the release of the past, the letting go of misfortunes and negative thoughts, as the gra-thong gently floats away on waterways, carrying hopes and wishes for the future. The gra-thong, thus, becomes a poignant symbol of renewal and introspection, a small yet profound emblem of the cultural richness of Loy Gra-thong.
The Essence of Loy Gra-thong
The Essence of Loy Gra-thong is a festival deeply ingrained in Thai culture; an annual celebration marked by beauty, reverence and tradition; it is more than a festival; it's a vivid tapestry of Thailand's rich cultural heritage. It offers a unique experience, blending spiritual significance with communal joy. Whether it's the sight of the softly glowing gra-thongs floating away or the festive atmosphere that envelops the country, Loy Gra-thong is a testament to Thailand's enduring traditions and its people's profound connection with nature and spirituality.
Listed below are a number of places around Hua Hin to participate in the festivities.
Hua Don Beach - this is the main beach in Khao Takiap
Hua Hin Beach - a very popular destination
Wat Huay Saam Phan Naam - close to Saam Phan Naam Floating Market
Rimlay Market Hua Hin 19 Rai - Suan Luang Rachinee Park
Siam Venezia - just a few km north of the city centre
Khao Dtao Reservoir - about 13km south of Hua Hin, a beautiful location
Hua Hin Pier - Right in the heart of Hua Hin