Thailand's festival of lights celebrates tradition, gratitude

Every year, Thailand lights up with the vibrant celebration of Loy Krathong, a festival that captures the essence of Thai culture and tradition.

During this festival, participants release small floats known as krathongs, which are often adorned with decorative banana leaves, flowers, incense, and candles, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

This practice is done as an offering to the water goddess, and many believe it brings good fortune. This year, Loy Krathong will be celebrated on November 15, with events taking place across the country, though the largest festivities will be held in Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The week-long Festival of Lights, featuring traditional parades, sound and light shows, and fireworks, provides visitors with a unique opportunity to witness the city’s ancient monuments illuminated in celebration of its rich heritage. Even if you can't attend the Loy Krathong festivities in Sukhothai from November 8-15, the city is a worthwhile destination year-round. Sukhothai was the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam (now Thailand) during the 13th and 14th centuries, until it was overtaken by Ayutthaya, which became the new capital in 1438.

Today, visitors can explore impressive Buddhist monasteries and early examples of Thai architecture within the Sukhothai Historical Park. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1991, Sukhothai is credited with shaping many defining elements of Thai culture, including language, religion, and architecture.

“The great civilization which evolved in the Kingdom of Sukhothai absorbed numerous influences and ancient local traditions; the rapid assimilation of all these elements forged what is known as the ‘Sukhothai style,’” states its inscription.

Sirawee Lamsudjai, a cultural officer at the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum and a Sukhothai native, notes that what often surprises tourists is not only the stunning architecture and Buddhist monuments but also the leisurely pace of life in the area. 

“The first impression for many tourists visiting Sukhothai is how peaceful it is, how the local lifestyle coexists harmoniously with the historical sites,” she explains. Although the area is compact, there is much to explore.

Wat Mahathat, featuring a grand pagoda, is located at the heart of the historical park. Sirawee also highlights Wat Traphang Thong, or Golden Lake Monastery, as a key attraction, especially as it serves as the main venue for the Festival of Lights. 

Wat Si Chum is another must-visit location, especially favored by photographers. “Tourists are impressed with its giant seated Buddha statue, which is housed in a building with no roof,” Sirawee explains. “The statue looks beautiful, especially when the sunlight touches it, giving a feeling of serenity.”

By Naila Huseynova