Loy Krathong : Chiang Mai
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The krathong are made of banana leaves, which are topped with flowers, candles, and incense sticks. Some school districts hold krathong-making competitions for their students. The student photos in this gallery were taken during such a competition in Chiang Mai, in the north of Thailand.
Judging of the finished entries begins.
That same day, at night, the festival's parade makes its way through the streets of Chiang Mai. The festivities will continue on the following night as well.
Loy Krathong festivalLoy Krathong Chiang MaiLoy Krathong parade Chiang Mai
The girl in the foreground carries a krathong, as will many others in the parade. The krathong will later be floated on the Ping River, which runs through the city.
Loy Krathong festivalLoy Krathong Chiang MaiLoy Krathong parade Chiang Mai
Bringing blossoms to scatter on the water
Loy Krathong festivalLoy Krathong Chiang MaiLoy Krathong parade Chiang Mai
The festival's queen, her attendants, and their elaborate float
Loy Krathong festivalLoy Krathong Chiang MaiLoy Krathong parade Chiang MaiLoy Krathong parade floats Chiang Mai
This float featured replicas of Burmese-style chinte: temple guardian lions.
Loy Krathong festivalLoy Krathong Chiang MaiLoy Krathong parade Chiang MaiLoy Krathong parade floats Chiang Mai
Many of the floats tend to be wonderfully elaborate, conjuring up symbols from Thailand's rich cultural past.
Loy Krathong festivalLoy Krathong Chiang MaiLoy Krathong parade Chiang MaiLoy Krathong parade floats Chiang Mai
The queen and her attendants again
Loy Krathong festivalLoy Krathong Chiang MaiLoy Krathong parade Chiang MaiLoy Krathong parade floats Chiang Mai
The white elephant: symbol of royalty
Loy Krathong festivalLoy Krathong Chiang MaiLoy Krathong parade Chiang MaiLoy Krathong parade floats Chiang Mai
