Loy Krathong, a traditional annual fest celebrated by Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport and the Tourism Authority of Thailand was a culturally rich affair
Loy Krathong Festival is a much-awaited festival in Thailand, ‘the land of smiles.’ It marks the end of misfortune. Literally, Loy Krathong means to float a basket, and the festival is celebrated 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.
Every year, Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport and the Tourism Authority of India celebrate the fest. This year the exuberance of the festival of lights was seen on November 19, at the sparkling, beautifully lit event. It was a peek into the cultural amalgamation of Indian traditional dance forms and dancers from Thailand who performed their traditional dances at Radisson Blu amidst a fanfare of the elite audience. Charismatic with a pulsating stage presence, Shivani Wazir Pasricha, the MC for the evening, kept the audience engaged.
Ashwani Kumar Goela, General Manager – Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport, was visibly very excited to see the gala affair and the choicest audience at the event. Simmi Sood, Communication Manager of the hotel, was seen attending her guests personally and conversing with them, informing them about the importance of the festival and the traditions of Thailand.
The history of the annual festival can be traced back to India; Loy Krathong originated from an old Brahmin festival that paid respects to the water spirits. The festival was adapted in Thailand to also show respect to Buddha. Apart from this, it’s also a time when the main rice harvest season ends, and people gather and celebrate to thank the Water Goddess for a year’s worth of her abundant supply, as well as an apology for polluting the waters.
Symbolically the festival stands to ‘float away’ all the anger and grudges one holds through the year around; letting go of a dark side of yourself, to start anew- make a fresh beginning away from all negative feelings. The Thai people believe that if your candle stays alight until your Krathong disappears out of sight, it means a year of good luck for the person.
