Loy Krathong festival in Montclair will celebrate Thai holiday and culture

Ricardo Kaulessar, NorthJersey.com
·2 min read

On the full-moon night of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, which usually falls in November, the festival known as Loy Krathong occurs.

This popular holiday in Thailand sees celebrants place small, illuminated boats made of banana stalks and leaves on the water as tokens of religious gratitude. This weekend, for the first time, the festivities are coming to Montclair.

AAPI Montclair to host festival

The nonprofit group AAPI Montclair will host a Loy Krathong Family Celebration in Yantacaw Brook Park, 30 Club Road, on Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.

Tourists and Thai locals gather to release paper lanterns at the Lanna Dhutanka Temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Lanna Kathina Ceremony takes place around the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng holidays each year and marks the end of Buddhist lent, when monks are offered new robes.
Tourists and Thai locals gather to release paper lanterns at the Lanna Dhutanka Temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Lanna Kathina Ceremony takes place around the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng holidays each year and marks the end of Buddhist lent, when monks are offered new robes.

Families will have the opportunity to create biodegradable krathongs from bread, flowers and leaves and to partake of Thai food. Kids can learn about Loy Krathong through a read-aloud and coloring activity.

Amber Reed, president of AAPI Montclair, said the festival was the idea of a local family.

“It was an idea from a family that has a daughter adopted from Thailand, and they’re just trying to make sure she grows up being able to celebrate her Thai culture with her friends,” Reed said.

The ticketed event is free but has a $10 optional cost for adults and children to offset the costs. It will take place rain or shine. The exact location will be emailed to registrants.

What is Loy Krathong?

According to the Thailand Foundation, the term Loy Krathong is derived from the Thai word "loy," meaning "to float" and "krathong," which refers to type of small, floating religious offering. The festival's highlight is the release of krathongs across small and large bodies of water all over the country.

According to the foundation, "other Loy Krathong activities include the floating of sky lanterns, Buddhist religious ceremonies, music, street food, and local fairs. Major rivers such as the Chao Phraya and Mekong are hotspots for celebration."

Ricardo Kaulessar covers race, immigration, and culture for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: kaulessar@northjersey.com

Twitter: @ricardokaul

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Loy Krathong festival in Montclair NJ to celebrate Thai culture