The name Muay Thai means “Thai boxing.” Also known as the “Art of the Eight Limbs”, this deadly martial art employs fists, elbows, knees, and feet to deliver powerful strikes and grapples while defending oneself or subduing an opponent.

Boxing has been an integral part of Thai culture for centuries and has been used to keep soldiers fit and agile. It is now a high-intensity, full-contact sport based on kicking and punching. You must knock your opponent to the ground to score points in the game.

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National Muay Thai Day: Nai Khanom Tom Day

March 17th marks the celebration of National Muay Thai Day. It is a day that commemorates the legendary fighter Nai Khanom Tom, also regarded as the Father of Muay Thao. He was a prisoner of war during the Burmese-Siamese War in the 18th century.

According to the legend, Nai Khanom Tom was selected to fight against a Burmese champion in a boxing match, and he won the fight using his Muay Thai skills. He went on to defeat nine more Burmese fighters in a row, demonstrating the effectiveness of Muay Thai in combat.

To honour his legacy, March 17th was designated “Nai Khanom Tom Day” in Thailand. It is a day to celebrate Nai Khanom Tom’s contributions to Muay Thai’s development and promote and preserve the art of Muay Thai as an important part of Thai culture. It is celebrated with various events and activities such as Muay Thai demonstrations, competitions, and cultural performances.

Benefits of Muay Thai

This martial art is a physically and mentally taxing discipline that improves one’s fitness and strength. Some people believe that Muay Thai can help improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Additionally, it can enhance overall stamina and endurance.

The benefits of practising Muay Thai are not only physical but mental as well. The workouts are challenging, but they also energise and motivate you. The combination of cardio exercise with muscle-building and balance training gives you an intense workout that benefits your entire body. It also widens your social circle while giving you an adrenaline rush. It’s also an excellent way to cope with anxiety and depression.

Basic Techniques of Muay Thai

Anyone can learn basic Muay Thai techniques by practising with a coach. However, there are many different techniques to learn, and the best way to find the ones that work for you is to test them out.

Experiment with combinations, strikes, and footwork until you find what works best. Here are some basic Muay Thai techniques to get you started:

1. The jab is a versatile strike that you can use to set up other attacks. Start by positioning your body close to your opponent, then reach out with your jab and touch your chin or nose. Keep your hands low to avoid getting hit in the face.

2. The cross is a powerful strike that can knock your opponent down. Extend your arm straight from your shoulder to execute the cross and swing it towards your opponent’s face. Again, keep your hand close to their head for maximum impact.

3. The elbow is the hardest point in the human body, and a devastating strike can break bones. To use the elbow, bend it and hit your opponent in the face or neck. However, be careful not to strike too hard, as it can cause serious injury.

Despite being such a deadly martial art, which has centuries of tradition, Thai boxing was unknown to most of the world till the late 20th century. Thai boxers then competed in kickboxing tournaments worldwide and crushed opponents using other martial arts styles like Karate, Kung fu, and Savat.

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Muay Thai was not developed to entertain a crowd; the moves are rarely choreographed. Instead, this boxing style was specifically designed to beat the opponent. It is a difficult art to master yet simple enough to be picked up by a novice. Thanks to this simplicity, anyone can pick up the basics of Muay Thai. It strengthens the mind, body, and spirit and is fun.

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The dragon dances through the streets as the red lanterns light up the vicinity, and a vibrant energy overwhelms every corner of Thailand. The aroma of traditional delicacies fills the air, and firecrackers echo through the cities.

The streets come alive with the sound of music and laughter. The Chinese Lunar New Year is not just a celebration of a particular event or season but a reflection of the unique culture and heritage of the Thai people.

2023: The Year of Rabbit

The Rabbit symbolises grace, diplomacy and sensitivity and is the zodiac animal for the 2023 Chinese Lunar New Year. It is the fourth of all 12 zodiac animals, including the Rooster, Dragon, Dog, etc. People born during this time are said to possess a gentle and refined nature, making them well-suited for careers in fields such as art, literature and diplomacy.

The last time the Lunar New Year fell on the year of the Rabbit was 2011. After 12 years, it’s time to welcome the return of this gentle creature.

In Chinese culture, rabbits are often associated with the moon, representing purity, tranquillity, and elegance. The Rabbit’s influence is believed to bring a sense of calm and serenity to the coming year.

The Origin of the Chinese Lunar New Year

The history and cultural significance of Chinese New Year in Thailand are much more complex and nuanced. But just for our readers, we have put together a summary of the origin of this popular holiday:

• The Chinese New Year celebration in Thailand had its roots in the 19th century when many Chinese immigrants came to the country to work in the tin mines, rubber plantations and other industries.
• They brought their culture, traditions and customs with them, including the celebration of Chinese New Year.
• Over time, the festival became an important cultural event for the Thai-Chinese community and began to be celebrated by people of all backgrounds.
• Traditional lion and dragon dances, parades, fireworks, and the exchange of money-filled red envelopes are some of the striking features of this festival.
• The celebration marks the start of a new lunar year. It is a time for families to come together, pay respects to their ancestors and wish for good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

How the Chinese New Year is celebrated

• The celebration begins on the lunar calendar’s first day and lasts for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival. This year it starts on the 22nd of January.
• During this time, people clean their homes, decorate with red lanterns and couplets, and prepare traditional foods. Red is considered auspicious and believed to ward off evil spirits.
• One of the most exciting parts of the Lunar New Year is the Lion and Dragon Dance, where a group of people dressed in colourful lion and dragon costumes perform acrobatic movements to the beat of drums and cymbals. Fireworks and parades are also a big part of the celebration.

• It is also a time for gift-giving, and it’s customary to give red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried adults. It is a way to share good luck and prosperity for the New Year.
• A Lantern Festival takes place on the final day of the lunar year. People hang beautifully crafted Chinese paper lanterns from their homes, typically during the New Year’s first full moon. The streets light up in red, making it a beautiful sight.

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Conclusion

Thailand, the land of festivals, is a country that celebrates life with passion and enthusiasm. From the vibrant colours and delicious flavours of Chinese New Year to the magical lights and lanterns of Loy Krathong, every festival in Thailand is a feast for the senses.

These festivals allow people to share their customs, traditions and culture and strengthen their bonds of friendship and solidarity. They are essential to Thai identity and help preserve the country’s cultural heritage.

If you plan your next trip to Thailand, ensure that you land here during one of the famous festivals. These festivals make Thailand not just a destination for sightseeing but a place to be immersed in the country’s rich cultural tapestry.

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It is not a public holiday but is celebrated nationwide when people gather around lakes, rivers, and canals to release floating lanterns or Krathongs on waterways.

When is Loy Krathong Festival celebrated?

Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated on the evening of the 12th full moon of the Thai lunar calendar. It usually falls in the month of November, according to the Western calendar.  Therefore, the Loy Kratong date is not fixed. It changes every year depending on the full moon.

In 2022, it will take place on the evening of 8th November.

What is the meaning of Loy Krathong?

The word loy in Thai means ‘to float’ and krathong translates to ‘basket or boat’, so the meaning of Loy Krathong is ‘float a basket’.

A krathong is a small lotus-shaped boat traditionally made from banana leaves and decorated with flowers. In the center of the Krathong, there are traditionally 3 sticks of incense and a lit candle, and other things like hair and coins.

As its name implies, on the evening of the festival, Thai people gather around rivers, lakes, and canals to release lotus-shaped baskets.

Why is Loy Krathong celebrated?

Loy Krathong, which originated in the ancient Sukhothai Kingdom around 800 years ago, is celebrated to pay respect to and thank the Goddess of Water (called Pra Mae Khongkha) for a year’s worth of her abundant supply, ask for an apology for polluting the waters, and pay respect to the Buddha.

Nowadays, it is also a way to get rid of negativity gathered during the previous year and welcome good fortune in the coming year.

How do people celebrate Loy Krathong Festival today?

Traditionally Thai people will begin the festival by making their Krathongs at home with friends and family, although many do also buy them from local shops.

At nightfall, everyone heads to waterways or temples where religious rituals will take place and the Krathongs are released.

Today, Loy Krathong is celebrated across Thailand. The festival includes firework shows, competitions to build the largest and most extravagant Krathongs, and beauty competitions called Noppamas Queen Contests.

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It is utterly mind-blowing even to consider what tools would have been employed to create such a minute space between the base of the pillar and the surface of the hard stone floor underneath it. The tour guides will demonstrate several techniques to show that the incredibly sturdy stone pillar is suspended and not touching the ground.

This gigantic granite pillar is 20 feet tall, has a long history, and is particularly stunning because it defies gravity and appears suspended in midair.

A British engineer attempted to lift the pillar in 1924 to uncover the “secret.” He immediately cancelled his procedure because he worried the entire edifice would collapse. Ten more pillars started to move as they tried to do it.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) then carried out in-depth examinations. It established that the pillar was not created accidentally but on purpose to demonstrate the skill of the builders of the time.

The temple is full of fascinating mysteries and beliefs, keep scrolling and stay amazed.

The Giant Nandi Statue

You can find a massive Nandi statue (the bull from Hindu mythology) carved from a single piece of stone 200 meters from the temple. The giant monolithic bull is 15 feet in height and 27 feet in length. Perfect lines and elaborated designs are carved on the bull. It seems impossible that they could have been produced by hand. Architects continue to be perplexed. Why was it created?

The Unfinished Kalyanamandapam

On the grounds of the temple, there is a “Kalayanamandapam,” or unfinished marriage hall. The intention behind building the hall was to commemorate Shiva and Parvati’s union. However, why was it purposefully left undone? Thera are two large red spots on the western side of the hall.

The story claims that the son of the builder, Virupanna was blind. He began constructing the temple, and soon after, his son’s blindness was cured. The other courtiers, however, grew envious and protested to the King that he was spending royal funds on his son’s treatment.

The monarch, furious, gave his troops the command to blind Virupanna. Virupanna administered his punishment. The red spots on the incomplete marriage hall’s walls depict his eyes. Nobody finished the construction of the hall after that incident.

Visit the temple, and witness the mind-blowing mysteries yourself!

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According to Hindu belief, Maa Skandamata blesses those who worship her with complete devotion with good fortune, abundance, and strength. As an avatar of Maa Durga, Skanda Mata is the embodiment of maternal love, and she provides power, wealth, and enlightenment to those who worship her. Skanda means Lord Kartikeya and Mata means mother, which translates to mother of Lord Kartikeya.

If one worships Skandmata, they attain salvation along with child happiness and all the wishes of their hearts. While keeping one hand in Abhaya Mudra, the goddess rides a lion while holding a lotus flower, a bell, and a baby Kartikeya in her three hands.

Colour

Today’s color is green, which symbolizes nature, growth, and energy. There is tranquility associated with green, a color that represents life. As a symbol of nature, it evokes growth, fertility, peace, and serenity. The mandir entrance can be decorated with a toran made of mango or Ashoka leaves with marigold flowers inserted between them.

Bhog

Bhog for Maa Skandmata typically includes bananas. Some devotees also prepare banana-based delicacies to please the Goddess. As a bhog to Maa Skandamata, you can also prepare rice kheer with saffron.

Mantra

Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya

Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita,

Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah

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Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, the northern capital of Thailand, is always one of the best cities to visit for its many festivals throughout the year. Loy Krathong is another festival that takes the city incredibly seriously with lots of food, parties and celebrations throughout the ancient city.

The Lanna Ritual is one of these festivities, with scores of Thais and foreigners alike coming together to let go of the wind-blown, floating lanterns. The night sky is completely lit up with them, and it is absolutely stunning. The life story of Lord Buddha is showcased through a parade and Thai culture is showcased through music and art.

Tak -Loy Krathong Sai Festival
The Loy Krathong festival in Tak is celebrated as Loy Krathong Sai. One of the things that makes Loy Krathong Sai so unique in Tak is the way the Krathongs are prepared. Instead of making them out of Styrofoam, the locals in the hunt for baked bread or banana leaves are made from coconut shells. The shells are filled with wax to hold the wick in place, effectively turning the entire krathong into a giant floating candle. The main attraction of the Loy Krathong festival is the competition organized among the local community.

People help each other thread coconut krathongs together and launch them down the river in a series of candles, creating an extraordinarily beautiful display of light.

Bangkok
The Chao Phraya River that runs through Bangkok is home to some of the best celebrations for Loy Krathong. Asiatic is one of the best regions for celebration. The outdoor, open-air mall is bustling with shops, food vendors, and restaurants.

Sukhothai
Many people believe that Loy Krathong has its origins in Sukhothai, which is why it is one of the best cities to visit to celebrate. The city typically hosts a variety of celebratory events, including folk dances and fireworks.

Ayutthaya – Loy Krathong Krung Kao Festival
Loy Krathong Krung Kao in Ayutthaya is celebrated with full enthusiasm for 3 days. It is a festival in the old style of Ayutthaya and the main events take place in the Thung Phukhao Thong area. Highlights of these events include the Hanging Lantern Competition, which features beautiful, ornately designed hanging lanterns, the Miss Noppamas International Beauty Contest, the Noppamas Kids Contest, and a number of musical and cultural performances that people enjoy.

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