Loi Krathong is one of Thailand’s most striking festivals. It is held every year on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month of the traditional Thai calendar, which usually falls in November. “Loi Krathong” literally translates to “floating a basket,” and the theme of the festival revolves around the creation and launching of krathongs, which are small, decorated rafts.
The origin of this tradition is not entirely clear but it is believed to have both Hindu and Buddhist roots. Some hold that the festival began as a way to pay homage to the goddess of water, Phra Mae Khongkha, in gratitude for the provision of water and as a way to ask for forgiveness for the pollution of rivers. Others believe that it originated in the era of the Sukhothai Kingdom and was influenced by Hindu rituals honoring the god Vishnu.
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Floating lights and sky lanterns: Loi Krathong festival celebrations and traditions
For this festive date, people make krathongs using natural materials such as banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense. On the night of the festival, these “wafers” are lit and released into rivers, ponds and lakes, creating a stunning sight of floating lights.
Each krathong symbolizes the removal of bad luck and bad feelings, as well as a wish for the future. It is common for people to place a coin in their krathong as an offering and a lock of hair or nails as a symbol of letting go of the negative.
A variety of cultural activities are also held during the festival, including parades, beauty competitions called “Noppamas Queen Contests,” fireworks displays, and traditional dances.
In many areas, such as Chiang Mai, the Yi Peng festival is celebrated simultaneously, where thousands of paper lanterns are released into the sky, creating a spectacular display of lights both on the water and in the air.
Source: https://reporteasia.com/cultura/tradicion/2024/07/19/loi-krathong-festival-luces-flotantes-tailandia/
