Festivals and Holidays

Loy Krathong

Nov 13, 2024 | Festivals and Holidays

Loy Krathong or Loi Krathong (ลอยกระทง), also known as Thailand’s Festival of Lights, is one Thailand’s biggest festivals. This year, it will take place on November 13-16. This traditional Siamese festival has been celebrated annually for generations, to pay respect to the Goddess of Water and seek forgiveness from her. Nowadays, Thais celebrate it as a way to get rid of negativity and welcome good fortune in the coming year.

The word Loy means “to float” and Krathong translates to “basket” or “boat.” A krathong is a small, decorative float made primarily from banana leaves, traditionally resembling a lotus flower or small boat. The krathong is customarily adorned with candles, flowers, incense sticks, small offerings, and coins.

The floating krathongs carry the hopes, wishes, and gratitude of individuals as they navigate rivers, lakes, or canals during the festival. While not a public holiday, it is celebrated nationwide.

Thai people begin the festival by making their krathongs at home with friends and family, although these days many buy them from local shops.

At dusk, people gather near rivers, lakes and canals with their decorated krathongs. They light candles and incense before gently releasing the krathongs onto the water. This symbolizes the release of negativity and honors the water spirits. It is believed that if the krathong remains lit until it disappears from sight, it will bring good luck for the following year.

Ways to Pray for the Thai People during this Festival:

Pray that Thai people worldwide would come to know the true Light of the world, Jesus Christ.
Pray for missionaries working among Thai people, that during this festival the Holy Spirit will guide them to people of peace who can open their homes and families to learn about the God who gave His life for them.
Pray that Thai people would know the freedom that only Jesus can bring.

LEARN ABOUT OTHER FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS

THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS
… bright, powdered pigments that are a trademark of this festival… LEARN MORE

VESAK
Vesak is considered to be the most important Buddhist … LEARN MORE

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
A celebration of light triumphing over darkness … LEARN MORE

Raksha Bandhan

Aug 14, 2024 | Festivals and Holidays

Raksha Bandhan, often referred to as Rakhi, is celebrated primarily by Hindus. This festival symbolizes the bond between brothers and sisters. The name “Raksha Bandhan” itself is derived from the Sanskrit words “Raksha,” meaning protection, and “Bandhan,” meaning bond, reflecting the essence of the festival – a pledge of lifelong protection and love.

The festival has roots in ancient traditions and legends, such as those of Queen Karnavati and Emperor Humayun, and Draupadi and lord Krishna from the Mahabharata. Over time, Raksha Bandhan has evolved to include friends and protectors, symbolizing unity, love, and lifelong bonds.

The festival typically begins with a prayer for the well-being and prosperity of the family. The sister then ties a Rakhi – a sacred thread – around her brother’s wrist. This act is a symbol of the sister’s love and prayers for her brother’s well-being. In return, the brother gives his sister a gift, promising to protect her throughout her life.

In contemporary times, Raksha Bandhan has evolved beyond its traditional boundaries. With globalization and the Indian diaspora spread across the world, the festival is celebrated with equal fervor in many countries. The concept of Rakhi has also broadened, with many people tying Rakhis to friends, cousins, and even those they consider as brothers or sisters, regardless of biological relation.

In recent years, Raksha Bandhan has become a symbol of unity and harmony in society. In some communities, people tie Rakhis to soldiers, police officers, and other protectors of the nation, acknowledging their role in safeguarding the country. In 2024, this festival falls on Monday, August 19.

Let’s pray for Hindu peoples around the world:

Pray Hindus would accept the call to live in freedom through Christ Jesus and that siblings would model themselves after Jesus: “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” 1 John 3:16,18
Pray that brothers’ and sisters’ love for one another would reflect Romans 12: 9-10. ”Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
Pray for siblings to embrace Ephesians 4:2: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

LEARN ABOUT OTHER FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS

THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS
… bright, powdered pigments that are a trademark of this festival… LEARN MORE

DUSSEHRA
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami is the final day of a Hindu festival celebrating the triumph … LEARN MORE

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
A celebration of light triumphing over darkness … LEARN MORE

Dussehra

Oct 18, 2023 | Festivals and Holidays

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 24th. It is the final day of a Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil, generally marking Lord Rama’s defeat of the demon king Ravan.

Different parts of India celebrate Dussehra in different ways. Scenes from Rama’s life might be enacted, grand processions may take place or effigies of Ravana burned.

For some Hindus it is a very religious holiday; for some it isn’t. Hindu families who celebrate Dussehra in a religious fashion commemorate it with the worship of idols, objects of prosperity, and weapons.

Another common religious duty is fasting – though only the women fast. There is not one set way to fast; some will fast all daylight hours, some might only fast garlic and onions.

Many Hindus feel the pointlessness of following empty customs. They feel the hypocrisy of oppressing their neighbor while observing supposedly meaningful religious traditions. It has been reported that many are actually becoming atheists.

Let us pray that those truly desiring to connect with God will meet the God for whom there is no idol. Pray that they come to understand that it is by mercy and lovingkindness and truth (not superficial ritual) that wickedness is cleansed from the heart. [Proverbs. 16:6]

LEARN ABOUT OTHER FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS

THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS
… bright, powdered pigments that are a trademark of this festival… LEARN MORE

THE NIGHT OF POWER
…the night when Mohammed is thought to have begun receiving the … LEARN MORE

RAKSHA BANDHAN
Rakhsha Bandhan is an annual Hindu festival celebrating the … LEARN MORE

Asanha Bucha

Jul 26, 2023 | Festivals and Holidays

The holiday of Asana Bucha (also known as Asalha Puja or Dhamma Day) is celebrated in Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Laos, Myanmar, and other areas with populations of Theraveda Buddhists. Asana Bucha remembers the day when Buddha preached his first sermon on the “Four Noble Truths’ from which all of his subsequent teachings stemmed. It also marks the day he established the Buddhist monkhood and the beginning of “Buddhist lent” which runs from July to October.

Celebrants of Asanha Bucha visit temples to listen to sermons, chant, and pay homage to the monks – often leaving gifts of flowers and candles for them. For some this day is known as the day before monks enter the monkhood for the rainy season. Many cultures also celebrate with candle-lit processions in the evening.

Let’s pray for Buddhist peoples:

Ask God that Buddhists would come to know Jesus as The Truth through which they can be made right with God (John 14:6).
Pray that Buddhists would hear the Message that “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” (1John 1:5)
Pray that as followers of Jesus speak boldly for the Lord, He will bear witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. (Acts 14:3)

LEARN ABOUT OTHER FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS

THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS
… bright, powdered pigments that are a trademark of this festival… LEARN MORE

LOY KRATHONG
Loy Krathong or Loi Krathong (ลอยกระทง), also known as Thailand’s Festival of Lights, is one … LEARN MORE

VESAK
A celebration Buddha’s birthday … LEARN MORE

Vesak

May 31, 2023 | Festivals and Holidays

Vesak is considered to be the most important Buddhist holiday. The celebration honors Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. Many believe that the three seperate events happened on the same day of the year throughout Buddha’s life. The holiday is known by many different names around the world.

Generally, Buddhists celebrate the day by visiting temples, making offerings, and reflecting on Buddha’s teachings. Each region has its own additional traditions for observing the holiday. While some Buddhists, like those in Myanmar, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, celebrated Vesak in early May, Buddhist Thais, Singaporeans, and Indonesians will celebrate during the first weekend of June (2-4).

Let’s pray for Buddhist peoples:

Ask God to open their spiritual eyes to the truth. Pray they would discover the God of the Bible as Creator and Lord of all humanity. Pray they understand that Jesus is the only one who defeated death (1 Corinthians 15:3-9) and the only one through whom we can defeat death
(1 Corinthians 15:21-22).
Pray for gospel messengers to speak boldly and present Jesus as the only one who can forgive sin.
Pray for church planters to understand the socio-cultural dynamics surrounding Buddhist society so they find ways to start and establish new communities of faith (churches).

LEARN ABOUT OTHER FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS

THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS
… bright, powdered pigments that are a trademark of this festival… LEARN MORE

LOY KRATHONG
Loy Krathong or Loi Krathong (ลอยกระทง), also known as Thailand’s Festival of Lights, is one Thailand’s … LEARN MORE

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
A celebration of light triumphing over darkness … LEARN MORE