Prayers go out to Thai victims

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THE sea off Gurney Drive in Penang was a sight to behold as more than 500 Buddhist devotees set adrift flickering candlelit lotus-shaped floats to celebrate Loy Krathong.

Watery display: A sea of fickering candlelit lotus-shaped floats drifting slowly into the darkness.

The celebration turned sombre for some who were seen praying for the flood victims in Thailand and for a good year ahead when releasing the krathong (lotus-shaped vessels).

One of them was hair salon operator Yanisa Tirawit, 26, who hoped the flood waters in Bangkok would recede soon.

Traditional ritual: Yanisa releasing a krathong into the sea during the celebration.

Yanisa, who was dressed in Thai traditional outfit, said the tourism sector in her country was badly hit following the country’s worst flooding in half a century.

“I just hope everything will be back to normal for my countrymen,” said Yanisa who has been residing in Penang for over three years.

Another devotee Watthana Ang Pai, 39, said she too prayed for the flood victims.

“I just hope no more lives will be taken away,” said Watthana, who slipped some cash into a donation box for flood victims at the Wat Chaiya Mangalaram on Burma Lane.

Starting 'em young: Watthana, her children (from left) Pravikul, seven, Catthiyra Seangkeaw, 11, and her nephew T. Yogendran, 11, putting money into the donation box in aid of the Thai flood victims.

Another devotee who caught public attention was self-employed Helen Oo Suan Bee, who came with an elaborate loy krathong containing nine mini lotus-shaped candles.

Oo, in her 40s, also offered prayers for the flood victims.

Earlier at the Wat Chaiya Mangalaram temple, Thai consul-general Voradet Viravakin, said in his speech that he was grateful to non-governmental organisations in Penang for providing aid to his country.

“Malaysians are a generous lot. They chipped in the moment they heard of our predicament back home, be it in cash or in kind.

“We are grateful to them. Hopefully, our prayers will be answered,” he added.

“It is believed that floating the krathong into the sea will carry away one’s misery.

“At the same time, it is an act of worshipping the river goddess,” he said.

Temple adviser Prof Datuk Dr Proom Promwichit said the temple had donated RM10,000 for the flood victims.

Thai consul-general Voradet Viravakin (fourth from left) and Wat Chaiya Mangalaram temple adviser Prof Datuk Dr Proom Promwichit lighting the candle of the giant krathong to launch the event at the temple.

He said the temple had given out RM80,000 for charity this year.

Earlier, devotees sang the famous Thai tune Loy Krathong while some danced to the music as the procession paraded to Gurney Drive on Sunday.

Over at the temple, it was a hive of activity as devotees and guests were treated to traditional Thai dances and skits of traditional games played in Thailand.

There was also a sumptuous spread of Thai delicacies, women’s accessories and lotus-shaped vessels on sale.

Three Chinese nationals were also seen celebrating the festival for the first time at the temple.

Yoyo Jin, 26, Wu Bin Bin, 26, and Huang San San, 24, said it was fun to be part of the celebration.

“The lotus-shaped vessel is very unique.

“This is the first time I get to know about the festival,” said Wu, who is married to a local.

Loy Krathong is a Thai cultural festival held annually to thank the Water Goddess Phra Mae Khongkha for the use of water in daily life.

It is celebrated during the full moon of the 12th lunar month in the Thai calendar.

The rituals represented a symbolic cleansing of a person’s sins and renewed hope for a good year ahead.