Kraziness of Loi Krathong

Where do I start with this one?!? I feel like a war-time correspondent, reporting back from the front line. Crazy, krazy business. But riveting.

journo Jen

The modern version of the Thailand Loi Krathong festival seems prevailingly to be all about fireworks. Fireworks thrown en masse by drunken crowds into the river (and amongst the crowds, throughout the city, and I suspect across the country) for 3 days non stop. The ones not far from our place have been launched well into the wee early hours, and the electricity keeps going off when the inevitable happens.

Thousands and thousands of fun-seeking tourists have descended on the city for this massive festival. Quite a number are sporting head bandages.....

Loi Krathong (Jen consults her local guidebook) "may have evolved from the Brahmanic rites to honour the dead as well as local rites to bring an end to the rains. Now people generally believe that by releasing floats and small hot air balloons they get rid of bad luck and give thanks to the water and heavenly elements".

The Ping River becomes filled with small floating "krathongs", with flower, incense and candle offerings, the sky is filled with the balloons (we're talking about hundreds of thousands of each) and there are nightly elaborate parades. It's officially a 3 day (night) event but the bungers have been going off haphazardly for at least a week and there still seems to be lots of supplies that couldn't possibly be kept till next year...... happily I'm heading on a work roadtrip this week (will miss the tailend of the festival) and am looking forward to the comparative serenity of village living for awhile.

I've been right in the midst of the festival, watching the enjoyment of the local families and dodging the teenager pyros. I'm looking forward to seeing my videos. Here are some pics:
An elaborate parade float at Tha Pae Gate; local ladies float a hot air balloon

Krathongs at night; the aftermath next morning on the river

A more sedate festival scene; bungers on the river bank - HEADS!!

Yes, thankyou water and sky elements. Here are thousands upon thousands of pollutants to show our gratitude.......Jen shudders.