Ornamental accessories, golden tapering headdresses, glamorous vibrant costumes and the graceful movement of a group of performers define the attributes of Thai traditional dancing.

There are 2 main types of Thai dances, namely Classical Dance and Folk Dance. A sub genre encompasses all regional dances performed for various seasons and festivals originating from the regions North, Northeast, South and Central. Most of the traditional dances are based on epics and folklore. Hence they are called dance dramas and are performed usually by a group of dancers. These dancers fascinatingly mime to the chorus harmonised from backstage.

Classical dance forms still retain their original splendour since they are strictly traditional and not innovative. Incorporating 108 basic movements, the dancers need to perform while keeping their upper body upright. They can use their knees to bend and stretch, synchronizing with the traditional music. The hand and finger movements are complex yet alluring and together with ornate costumes dazzling under the spotlights, their performances become truly spellbinding.

The highest form of Classical dance drama of Thailand is called Khon. This regal performance is presented by dancers dressed in multicoloured handworked costumes wearing ornamental gold headdresses and masks. Khon dance drama is based on the Ramakien, a Thai national story derived from the famous Indian epic Ramayana. These were written and revised during the era of the Thai kings Rama I and Rama II.

The next high form of classical dance style Lakhon is mainly performed by female dancers and they are based on folklore as well as Jataka tales, and the Indian literature encompassing the previous births of the Buddha.

Likay, Ram Muay and Wai Khru are some of the folk dance styles of Thailand. These styles are characterised by comedy and subtle performances, where costumes can be either contemporary or traditional. The popular Muay Thai, a type of Thai martial arts, is derived from Ram Muay dance style. Some of these folk dances have evolved with time and are influenced and enriched by different cultures and dance forms.

During the ancient times the highest classical dance forms were presented only for the royalties and high officials. At present there are many theatres, cultural centres and hotels in Bangkok and other cities of the country hosting Thai traditional dances for entertainment of the masses. Travellers can find cosy Bangkok hotel accommodation such as Bangkok President Solitaire an ideal Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel that is great to spend a vacation in the city. They can also discover the glamour and elegance of Thai culture and traditions through Thai traditional dances.

I want to do work with food but don’t know how to start.
Does anyone have experience how to set up a stand at local festival and sell your food or sell it to a local deli or store . I want to start from making and selling Chili. Any good ideas? i will appreciate any advice,
Thank you for your time

Loi Krathong is a Thai festival celebrated to honor Buddha – Siddharth Gautama, as well as the Thai Water Goddess – Phra Mae Khongkha. During the Loi Krathong festival, people build a ‘Krathong’ – A small raft, the diameter of which measures about a hand span. This raft is decorated with banana leaves folded in various shapes, flowers, incense sticks and candles. These rafts are then floated (Loi – to float) on a river. The festival is celebrated on a full moon night of the 12th month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar. Today, instead of banana leaves, many people (esp. large government offices) create huge, elaborate rafts with styrofoam and other synthetic materials.

The floating of rafts symbolizes letting go of grudges and anger in order to start life anew. The candle on the raft is to venerate the Buddha. Most people will also add their finger nails or hair to the raft, symbolizing letting go of personal vices. People believe that floating a Krathong will bring them good luck. Apart from raft floating, the Loi Krathong celebrations also include fireworks, Krathong contests as well as beauty contests, known as ‘Noppamas Queen Contests’ in the memory of Noppamas, a consort of the Sukothai King Loethai, who initiated the tradition of Loi Krathong.

This same tradition is followed under a different name in Chiang Mai – here it is known as “Yi Peng” Along with Krathongs, people here also float hot-air lanterns called Khom Fai on the water. These resemble giant fluorescent jellyfish floating through sky and are believed to help locals rid themselves of troubles. Sometimes people use these lanterns to decorate their houses as well

Historically, according to the writings of His Majesty King Rama IV in 1863, the Loi Krathong festival was adapted by Thai Buddhists from the Brahmanic Indian festival of ‘Deepavali’ during which Indians float lanterns on the Ganges to honor the river Goddess.

Loi Krathong is a festival combining many cultural, religious and traditional aspects of Thai beliefs and if you enjoy such festivals and celebrations, you will have a wonderful time in Bangkok. Make sure you reserve your Bangkok service apartment in advance, as these accommodations are excellent whether you are traveling alone or with others.

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