Kathina and Loy Krathong Festival Day

Kathina is a specific variety of tree where it’s foliage was used as a weaving material to make robes for Buddhist monks in the Buddha’s time.

During the Rainy season (approximately from July through to October); Thailand and the surrounding countries within the South Pacific region would experience heavy and frequent monsoon rainfalls. Such weather would often impede and interrupt the monk’s journey, making it very difficult for them to travel.

It is also within this season, that the farmers would cultivate their land and sow new seeds for next years crops. If the land were to be disturbed in any way, the seeds may either be destroyed or suffer a deterioration in their growth or productivity which could in the end effect the livelihood of the farmers.

Due to above reasons, The Buddha allowed his disciples to remain stationed in a specific place (as a temporary measure) and refrain from any traveling during such times. This was called VASSA or The Rains Retreat.

At the end of the retreat people would hold a grand festival in honor of the monks by making offerings of food in numerous monasteries. At the same time, they would prepare special yellow robes offer to the Sangha. This offering is called “Kathina”. This ritual can only be done within one month from the end of the Rains Retreat.

Loy Kratong Festival

One of the most popular festivals held in early November is the Loy Krathong Festival. It takes place at just the right time when the weather is very pleasant and the monsoon showers have left the water level high throughout the country.

“Loy” means “to float” and a “Krathong” is a name for the lotus-shaped vessel made of banana leaves. The Krathong usually contains a candle, three incense sticks, fresh flowers and some coins.

In fact, the festival is of Brahmin origin dedicated to appeasing the Goddess of the water. Today, the festival commences on the evening of the full moon day and by the full moon, many people from all walks of life would gather to light the candles and incense sticks, give thanks to the Goddess of water, make a wish and gently launch their Krathongs in any water way; often in canals, rivers or ponds. It is believed that the Krathongs would carry away their bad luck, and bring forth their wishes. Indeed, it is a time to be joyous and happy as any previous suffering has been cast away together with the Krathongs.

Under the reflection of the full moon, the sight of the numerous multicolored Krathongs with their flickering candle lights gently drifting above the surface of the water makes it one of the most beautiful and romantic festival within the Buddhist calendar.

A beauty Queen Contest is an important part of the Thai festival and for only this occasion it is called “Miss Noppamas Contest”. Noppamas was the chief royal consort of the King, named “Lithai” in the Sukhothai period. She was said to have made the first ever decorated Krathong to float in the river on the occasion.

All are cordially welcome. Please bring your friends. All proceeds will go to the Temple Fund. If you are unable to attend but wish to make a donation, please make a cheque payable to: THE BUDDHAPADIPA TEMPLE.
The Buddhapadipa Temple
The Young Buddhist Group
The Lay Buddhist Association
Tel: 020-8946-1357 Fax: 020-8944-5788

< go back