The Royal Kathina Ceremony And Loy-Kratong Festival

Written by Ubasika Lynne

Sunday 5^th November began as a bright, crisp sunny morning and the temple helpers and stall holders readied themselves and their wares as the first visitors began to arrive.In the main temple the Kathina robe was arranged at 9.30 a.m. ready for the ceremony which was scheduled for ten. People began to gather in the temple so as to witness the ceremony. The venerable monks chanted and the Kathina robe was presented to the Sangha. Officials from The Royal Thai Embassy were in attendance for the occasion.

Outside, the car park was filled with many food stalls selling cuisine from many different regions of Thailand. Many visitors were sampling and enjoying the delicious food.

There was a Thai grocery and exotic fruit stall as well as many other stalls selling a wide variety of products from Thailand.

At one the cultural show began on the stage. There was traditional dance and music and the highlight of the show was the Miss Nopamasa beauty contest.

At four as dusk was beginning the Loy-Kratong festival began at the lake. Hundreds of Kratongs, their candles twinkling and shimmering floated in the lake making a wonderful spectacle

Included in the day’s events were religious stalls and activities, one these being the Lay Buddhist association’s book stall.