Keeping the festive spirits alive and in following the tradition, Tourism Authority of Thailand (New Delhi) along with Royal Thai Embassy and Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport Hotel, celebrated the Thai festival of lights ‘Loy Krathong’ on 19th November 2021 at Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport Hotel.
The evening was inaugurated with a welcome speech by Thirapath Mongkolnavin, Minister & Deputy Chief of Mission, Royal Thai Embassy who thanked the guests for joining the event and celebrating the Thai festival of lights. This was followed by a welcome remark from Nitin Kapur Director Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport Hotel.
The event was highlighted by cultural dance performances depicting the strong cultural and religious links between India & Thailand. Other performances included a traditional Loy Krathong dance and a dance from the four different regions of Thailand. This was followed by the beautiful Loy Krathong procession that was led by Nang Noppamas who invited the guests to release the candle and incense lit krathongs into the water thereby paying respect to the water goddess.
Guests at the event learnt the art of traditional Krathong making and decoration which they floated into the water. The event included demonstrations of a popular Thai noodle dish – Pad Thai which was greatly enjoyed by the guests. Office of Thai Commercial Affairs also showcased Thai products which are being imported into India and used in Thai cuisine.
Vachirachai Sirisumpan, Director Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi said, “We are very grateful to be able to celebrate the Loy Krathong festival in New Delhi and pay respect to our Thai festivities as well as highlight the strong cultural bond between India and Thailand. I hope this event has given the guests a glimpse of Thai traditions, art & culture and a taste of delicious and authentic Thai food by Soy Neung Roi restaurant at the Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport Hotel.”
“Now that Thailand is open for fully vaccinated travellers from India, we look forward to welcoming travellers to experience Amazing Thailand which is now “Even more Amazing,” he added.
Loy Krathong is a Thai festival celebrated annually throughout the Kingdom of Thailand. The festival takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, thus the exact date of the festival changes every year.
The word ‘loy’ means to float, while ‘krathongs’ are small baskets traditionally made from banana tree wood and carefully folded banana leaves, each containing sticks of incense, candles, and an offering of a few coins.
