Loy Krathong Festival 2008

On the evening of Saturday, October 4th, 2008, the 4th annual Loy Krathong Festival 2008 was held by Wat Thai Washington, D.C. Approximately 400 people took part in this 700 year old festival. In attendance were officials, staff and family members of the Royal Thai Embassy, other Thai government agencies and large number of both Thais and foreigners in Washington, D.C. and its vicinity.

This year, the festival was embellished by 21 Lady Nopamas and was celebrated with an array of performances such as Thai traditional music, Fon Tian, Serng Krayang, Klong Yao dance and a stage performance about the history of Loy Krathong dating back to the Sukothai era. There was also a Krathong contest that took place towards the end of the evening where judges had the difficult decision of trying to choose from about 15 hand- crafted Krathongs and hand out 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place plaques to the ones that either won for “most beautiful” or “most creative”. The winners of the “most beautiful” Krathong category are 1st place: “Caring For All”, 2nd place: Ms. Nareeratana Eiamchim, 3rd palce: Royal Thai Embassy. The winners of the “most creative” Krathong category are 1st place: Mr. Viroon Eiamchim, 2nd place: Ms. Sarinya Egnor, 3rd palce: Thai For Thai Association.

The night was concluded by hundreds of Krathongs being floated in the pool by the crowd as a show of respect to the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha, and to make personal wishes. The image of the Kratongs floating in the pool with each one having a candle lit and incense burning was truly a breath taking sight to see.

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Royal Thai Embassy, Washington, D.C.
10 October 2008