Thailand is renowned for its diverse range of festivals, commemorating occasions such as the new year, new moon or the start of a harvest. However, Loy Krathong stands out as one of the most significant celebrations. It is a national festival observed during the full moon of the twelfth month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the modern Gregorian calendar, this event usually falls in November, although the exact date varies yearly.
As the Loy Krathong Festival approaches, it's essential to learn more about it so that you can plan accordingly and partake in the festivities to the fullest.
Loy Krathong is a Thai festival celebrating the year's bountiful water supply and atoning for the sins of polluting the waters. It is a combination of Hindu and Buddhist customs and also an occasion to pay homage to the Buddha. According to legend, Nang Noppamas, a concubine of the Sukhothai King, crafted a lotus-shaped float adorned with miniature bird figures, laying the foundation for the traditional Krathong. The festival has evolved into a symbolic gesture to welcome prosperity and good fortune in the year ahead.
The festival's name, derived from “Loy” (meaning 'to float') and “Krathong” (translating to 'basket or boat'), signifies the act of releasing decorative floats on water bodies as a symbol of relinquishing negativity and showing reverence to water spirits.
Krathongs are a type of Thai decoration that is made from banana stems and leaves. These decorations reflect Thai craftsmanship and the culture's respect and attachment to nature. The edges of the Krathongs are adorned with rectangular pieces of folded banana leaves, and people usually place decorative offerings such as flowers, candles, and incense sticks on top, along with their items. Additionally, coins are added to the Krathongs for children to retrieve. The creation process is a showcase of remarkable skill and aesthetic appreciation. Before the floating ceremony, the participants light candles and incense and hold the Krathongs to their foreheads while expressing gratitude and hopeful wishes.
Loy Krathong is a vibrant festival that unfolds in five stages. First, participants make Krathongs, either at home or by buying them from local shops. They then gather near water bodies as dusk approaches and place the Krathongs on the water's surface, adorned with candles and incense, to symbolise the release of negativity and honour the water spirits. Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, lantern parades, firework displays, and Thai classical music concerts, along with a beauty pageant that showcases traditional Thai attire. In some areas like Chiang Mai, people release "khom loi," floating lanterns, into the sky to represent the liberation of worries and aspirations. The festival also includes a culinary indulgence with a variety of street food, local delicacies, and authentic Thai dishes to add to the triumphant spirit of the occasion.
To celebrate the Loy Krathong festival, mark your calendars for November 27th and 28th, 2023. Some of the places to best observe the festival include Chiang Mai, Sukothai, Phuket, and Bangkok. Chao Phraya River is the centrepiece of Loy Krathong celebration. Asiatique, the riverfront night market, is the hub for shopping, entertainment, and dining. Visitors can float Krathongs into the river.
Although it is not a public holiday, the celebration brings people together nationwide to release floating lanterns and Krathongs onto the glistening waterways of lakes, rivers, and canals. This mesmerising spectacle is a cherished tradition that unites the people of the country beautifully.
Growing environmental concerns have led to issues regarding Loy Krathong's impact. Excessive krathong usage has caused unintended pollution, posing a significant challenge for local communities. To address these issues, initiatives promoting restrained Krathong use with eco-friendly materials have emerged. The festival has become a platform for advocating water management and conservation. Despite these challenges, Loy Krathong remains a testament to Thailand's cultural adaptability. Travellers are advised to practise responsible travelling and promote the people’s efforts towards a sustainable environment.