News
Loy Krathong Festival to Illuminate Thailand with Tradition and History This November
As Thailand prepares to celebrate Loy Krathong on November 15, the annual festival will once again see thousands of people gathering by rivers, lakes, and ponds to release decorative floats, or “krathongs,” as an offering to the water goddess. Observed on the full moon of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar, this enchanting tradition is one of Thailand’s most beloved cultural events, attracting locals and tourists alike to experience the beauty of light and water.
Though Loy Krathong events take place across Thailand, the most significant celebration is held in Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Sukhothai’s week-long Festival of Lights features grand parades, fireworks, and light shows that transform the city’s ancient monuments, creating a dramatic display against the backdrop of historic temples and serene ponds. This immersive experience allows visitors to explore the city’s heritage with an unforgettable ambiance of celebration.
Sukhothai’s historical significance lies in its role as the first capital of Siam, dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, before Ayutthaya became the new capital in 1438. The Sukhothai Historical Park, which houses well-preserved Buddhist monasteries and examples of early Thai architecture, draws visitors from around the world. Wat Mahathat, the centerpiece of the park, and Wat Si Chum, with its iconic seated Buddha, are among the must-see landmarks.
“The first impression for many tourists visiting Sukhothai is how peaceful it is, how the local lifestyle coexists harmoniously with the historical sites,” says Sirawee Lamsudjai, a cultural officer at Sukhothai’s Ramkhamhaeng National Museum. “The city has retained its charm and offers a unique glimpse into Thai culture and history.”
Sukhothai is also recognized for its innovations, particularly in water management. The ancient city’s hydraulic engineering system included a network of reservoirs, ponds, and canals that supplied water for agriculture, daily life, and religious rituals. UNESCO praises this early engineering as a testament to the advanced knowledge of water management in ancient Siam.
While Sukhothai is often considered the birthplace of Loy Krathong, historians debate its origins. Tongthong Chandransu, a historian specializing in Thai cultural history, notes that although candle and firework festivals were documented, early records do not mention krathongs specifically. Instead, it is believed that the ritual evolved over time, with the floats symbolizing gratitude to Phra Mae Khongkha, the Goddess of Water, for the essential role water plays in Thai life.
Today, concerns about environmental sustainability have led to the development of biodegradable krathongs made from bread or natural materials, as traditional banana plant floats accumulate waste in waterways. Some participants opt for virtual krathongs or use pools to celebrate without affecting local ecosystems.
With its rich history, cultural depth, and stunning display of lights, Loy Krathong remains a cherished Thai tradition, offering a unique look into the country’s heritage. Sukhothai, located six hours by car or an 80-minute flight from Bangkok, is a particularly atmospheric setting for the festival. For those interested in history, the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum near the historical park exhibits artifacts unearthed during excavations, adding context to the city’s storied past.
As the full moon rises over Thailand’s waters, Loy Krathong will continue to enchant visitors, symbolizing the beauty of tradition in harmony with nature.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
News
White House Unveils “Media Hall of Shame” Portal as Attacks on Press Intensify
News
Russia Launches Massive Overnight Barrage on Ukraine as Peace Talks With U.S. Continue
-
Entertainment1 year agoMeta Acquires Tilda Swinton VR Doc ‘Impulse: Playing With Reality’
-
Business2 years agoSaudi Arabia’s Model for Sustainable Aviation Practices
-
Business2 years agoRecent Developments in Small Business Taxes
-
Home Improvement1 year agoEffective Drain Cleaning: A Key to a Healthy Plumbing System
-
Politics2 years agoWho was Ebrahim Raisi and his status in Iranian Politics?
-
Business1 year agoCarrectly: Revolutionizing Car Care in Chicago
-
Sports1 year agoKeely Hodgkinson Wins Britain’s First Athletics Gold at Paris Olympics in 800m
-
Business1 year agoSaudi Arabia: Foreign Direct Investment Rises by 5.6% in Q1
