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15 November 2024—It was the celebration of the Loy Krathong in Thailand that brought people together nationwide at lakes, rivers, canals, and beaches to honour the goddess of water. Participants float beautifully decorated krathongs adorned with candles and flowers. We had floated our own-made Krathong 2 days prior but that day was the formal celebration of the festival.
IMG_4408.MOVIMG_4410.MOVIMG_4406.MOVIt was a serene afternoon in Kanchanaburi. We had just returned from our practicum and quickly changed clothes to celebrate the Loy Krathong. Our buddies rolled up to our dorm to fetch us, and I hopped on Frost’s motorcycle to travel to the Nong Bua pier. Without a clue what awaited us, I was astounded by how festive the river looked from afar. As we got nearer, I was greeted by the cold air on top of the bridge, overlooking the sun casting a golden glow over the river as it bid its farewell.
Families and friends gathered on the pier with their exquisite krathongs—bonding, chatting, and sharing bursts of laughter. The sun gave way to the gleaming full moon, but it was not the moonlight that illuminated the river—it was the gentle glow of candles drifting away along the current on top of the krathongs. I must have done great things in my past life to have witnessed such a festival where love rains from all walks of life.
Just when I thought the night couldn’t get any better, the mouthwatering aroma of Thai food tickled our noses, alluring us towards the rows of food stalls. Vendors were selling an array of irresistible dishes, most of which we had never tried before. Beside the river, beautiful krathongs embellished with intricate designs were displayed for sale. I bought one and filled it with wishes, one of which was to save the Philippines from the relentless line of typhoons battering its land and the Filipinos.
After lighting the candle on top, I carefully went down to the river bank, and told my wishes to the krathong. As I placed it on the water, I hoped the goddess of water would hear my wishes and fulfill it to where it was needed the most.
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a memory that carves
As the golden sky gradually deepened into a rich blue, my eyes were captured by this couple with their grandson, lighting up their krathong before releasing it on the river. This moment captured my heart deeply. It brought back memories of my childhood, when my grandparents and I would often go out and spend time together. Having been raised by them, my grandparents hold a deeply special place in my heart. Of all the people in our lives, our grandparents are the ones we have the shortest time with, and simple moments like these carve themselves into the heart of a child. I felt lucky to witness another grandson making cherished memories with his grandparents, just as I once did.
IMG_4424.MOV567dcd0c6e0f4e00929718b136ede01a.MOVThat night at Nong Bua pier was an immersion in itself, and I am thankful to have witnessed one of the cherished traditions of Thailand. There, I got to experience being a part of a culture that celebrates togetherness, nature, and the beauty of life. We spent the rest of the festival hanging out with Teacher Gray and her wonderful family. We also bumped into our Chinese dormmates who were celebrating the festival as well.
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The night ended with a simple banquet in our dorm’s function room along with our buddies. We also took the chance to give our simple tokens of appreciation to them. Though my families were miles away, I still felt at home by the presence of the people who willingly gave their time and effort. I remember my English teacher in 7th grade told us that home is where the love rains, and that night, I was soaked in it.
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