Thai festival of floating candles celebrated at University lake

Traditional Thai dancing, cuisine and culture will be celebrated against a backdrop of floating candles on the main University lake, College Road on Friday, October 10 between 5.30-10.30pm.

The Thai Students' Association of Queensland is hosting the Loy Krathong festival, or festival of the floating candles, with traditional displays of boxing, classical dancing, sword dancing and fire-stick juggling.

The Buddhist festival, a major national event held in Thailand on the full moon in November, honours the goddess of water, Mae Khong Kha.

Many people believe that as their Krathongs (candles usually encased in banana-leaf baskets) float away their sins are washed away, and the occasion marks a time for renewal.

A return airfare to Bangkok prize, sponsored by Thai Airways International, will be drawn from ticket receipts on the night.

Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased at the site or from Association president Vanida Lavantucksin (telephone 3371 5086).

For more information, contact Ms Lavantucksin (telephone 3371 5086).