I arrive in Chiang Mai during one of the major festivals of the year . This is Loi Kratong, or Yi Peng as it is known in the north and it takes place across the country during the full moon of the 12th lunar month of the year. The festival is about getting rid of bad luck and giving thanks for water. It is also connected with the Buddhist belief that everything is impermanent. Paper lanterns are sent up into the sky; small decorated floats sent down the river and fireworks are set off.
Once it gets dark I wander out from my guest house and join the crowds of tourists and locals in the streets. There is a party atmosphere, the town is decorated and a large parade is being prepared. The traffic police are getting very excited using whistles, barriers and red light sticks to clear the road.
Scenes from the parade
At many locations around the town Chinese lanterns are being sent up into the sky. I go into the courtyard of one of the Buddhist temples and watch people buying lanterns from the monks and the young monks helping with lighting them. I have never seen so many lanterns in the sky.
Monk helping with the lanterns
There are many market stalls along the sides of the road. Foot and leg massage seems to be particularly popular and rows of people sit back and relax while watching the parade go by.
Flower garlands for sale
On the banks of the river more paper lanterns are being sent aloft and people are saying prayers as they prepare to float their kratongs on the water.
Lighting candles by the river
More lanterns
Small boys are in the river in their pants in the dark. They are earning coins for swimming out into the river, pushing kratongs in front of them to get them out into the stream.
Once it gets dark I wander out from my guest house and join the crowds of tourists and locals in the streets. There is a party atmosphere, the town is decorated and a large parade is being prepared. The traffic police are getting very excited using whistles, barriers and red light sticks to clear the road.
Decorations in the town
Crowds watching the parade
Scenes from the parade
Some of the participants look a little bored by the whole things - mainly the boys who are doing the meial tasks, such as carrying something, or pulling an exhibit.Bored boys in the parade
At many locations around the town Chinese lanterns are being sent up into the sky. I go into the courtyard of one of the Buddhist temples and watch people buying lanterns from the monks and the young monks helping with lighting them. I have never seen so many lanterns in the sky.
Paper lanterns
Monk helping with the lanterns
There are many market stalls along the sides of the road. Foot and leg massage seems to be particularly popular and rows of people sit back and relax while watching the parade go by.
Foot and leg massage
Many of the stalls are selling ‘kratongs’, the floats to send down the river. They are carefully and intricately made from a slice from a banana tree and decorated with plaited banana leaves. Incense, a cadle and other decorations are added.
Kratongs for sale
Flower garlands for sale
Small boys are in the river in their pants in the dark. They are earning coins for swimming out into the river, pushing kratongs in front of them to get them out into the stream.
Boy in the river
2 comments:
lucky you to be there during a festival :)
Thanks for all this it is so interesting, like other people I have to catch up every so often.
It almost feels like we are with you! But I wouldn't be fit enough you must be so fit with all the treking and so brave.
It looks like you are having a marvellous time and so interesting.
We got your card at choir, have you heard any more familiar chants?
Thinking of you, enjoy yourself. Pat x x x
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