Bangkok, 05 November, 2014 – The
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting international
travellers to join Thai people in celebrating one of the kingdom’s most
impressive and popular annual events, the Delightful Colours of the
River, Loi Krathong Festival from 4-6 November, 2014, at Nakrapirom Park (near Wat Pho), on the bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.
Loi Krathong is held annually on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month or on 6 November
this year. Loi literally means “to float,” while Krathong refers to the
lotus-shaped vessels containing candles, incense and flowers in which
participants float down rivers and on lakes and ponds everywhere.
TAT
Governor Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik said, “The Festival marks the time to
give thanks to the goddess of the water and to seek forgiveness for past
misdeeds. The celebration also includes a fireworks display, contests
for beautiful krathongs, beauty pageants and many other memorable
activities.”
activities.”
TAT is organising the Delightful Colours of the River, Loi Krathong Festival 2014 at Nakrapirom Park in Bangkok during 4-6 November, 2014,
with support from stakeholders to promote public participation for the
preservation of Thai traditions and culture, as well as to create
awareness on the wonderful Thai festivals among international tourists.
Highlights
during the three-day event at Nakrapirom Park in Bangkok will include
the nightly light decorations and illuminated boat processions along the
Chao Phraya River. The processions of the traditional ‘Chong Prieang’
ritual and ‘Loi Krathong’ festival from Na Phra Lan Road to Nakrapirom
Park will take place on 6 November from 17.00 hrs., followed by the spectacular fireworks display and the krathong floating ceremony.
Throughout
the three days, there will be a range of cultural performances,
including traditional Thai music performances, Thai classical and
contemporary dances from various parts of Thailand and Thai puppet
shows. In addition, there will be demonstrations of Thai martial arts
including Muay Thai and traditional Thai sword fighting.
TAT
is also organising Loi Krathong celebrations in six other major Thai
destinations; each is famous for its own special features in celebrating
this annual festival of lights.
In Sukhothai, TAT is organising the Loi Krathong and Candle Festival from 2 to 6 November
with the highlight being the spectacular light and sound
presentation. Chiang Mai is well-known for its Yi Peng Festival, which
takes place from 5 to 7 November this year. In Tak, the unique Loi Krathong Sai Festival and Thousand Floating Candles is taking place from 2 to 6 November.
The ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya is celebrating its Historical City and Loi Krathong Festival 2014 on 6 November
with a range of cultural performances. The charming seaside province
of Samut Songkram is preserving its tradition of Loi Krathong Kap Kluai
Mae Klong during 6-8 November while the artistic province of Ratchaburi is celebrating the Amazing Loi Krathong Traditions of 8 Ethic Groups on 6 November.
For more information, contact the TAT Call Centre 1672.
See more at: http://www.tatnews.org/
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Dubai & Middle East Office
133 Sheikh Zayed Road, Apartment # 1804,
DusitThaniDubai,P.O. Box 450019, Dubai, U.A.E
Tel: +971 4 324 0184 Fax: +971 4 325 0187
