By Kelly Iverson
THAILAND finds every possible excuse to celebrate almost anything, with festivals leaving days without some type of celebration few and far between. One of the most memorable of them all is one that falls during the month of November. Here, everything you need to know about Loy Krathong, one of Thailand’s most picturesque and unforgettable festivals.
THAILAND finds every possible excuse to celebrate almost anything, with festivals leaving days without some type of celebration few and far between. One of the most memorable of them all is one that falls during the month of November. Here, everything you need to know about Loy Krathong, one of Thailand’s most picturesque and unforgettable festivals.
 | What is it? Loy means to float, and krathong is an offering that is made on water. Loy Krathong thus means, “to float one’s offering.” On this holiday, locals and tourists alike will gather around the nearest body of water to float their krathongs and offer these boat-like vessels to Phra Mae Khongkha, the goddess of the waters. In doing so, locals believe that they will be granted forgiveness for polluting Thailand’s waterways throughout the year. In addition to releasing the krathongs, other cities around the country celebrated by releasing lighted, paper lanterns into the sky as well as hosting beauty competitions for both the krathongs and the people who made them. |
| When is it? Loy Krathong is a festival that falls on the full moon of the 12th lunar month one month after the end of Phansa. This year, the festival took place on Friday, November 3. The festival normally kicks off around sunset and continues late into the evening or until the last krathongs are released onto bodies of water across the nation. The boats A krathong is a type of boat that celebrators use to make their offerings. They are typically made out of banana leaves and decorated with colourful foliage. The boats are oftentimes in the shape of a lotus flower. Bua, or a lotus flower, is a symbol of Buddhism in Thailand, the most commonly practised religion in the country. |  |
Over the years, krathongs have become more spectacular and elaborately decorated. Krathongs have been made to look like dragons, birds and other animals as well as elaborate pieces of foliage. In addition to being different shapes and sizes, krathongs are embellished with things like candles, incense, coloured paper and more.
History of Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong is believed to have originated in the Sukhothai era when King Ramkhamhaeng was in power. At the end of the monsoon season, a young maiden wanted to celebrate and worship the water spirits for giving the people rainfall, thus allowing their crops to flourish. Her name was Nang Noppamas, and she was the daughter of a Brahmin priest. To give thanks and praise to the goddess, she crafted a lotus flower-shaped boat. She gave it to the king who then released it into a nearby river.
The locals took a liking to the proceeding and began doing it every year afterwards, and now Loy Krathong has been celebrated for centuries in cities around the country. Sukhothai is one of the best destinations in which to celebrate this holiday, as this is where it is believed to have originated.
History of Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong is believed to have originated in the Sukhothai era when King Ramkhamhaeng was in power. At the end of the monsoon season, a young maiden wanted to celebrate and worship the water spirits for giving the people rainfall, thus allowing their crops to flourish. Her name was Nang Noppamas, and she was the daughter of a Brahmin priest. To give thanks and praise to the goddess, she crafted a lotus flower-shaped boat. She gave it to the king who then released it into a nearby river.
The locals took a liking to the proceeding and began doing it every year afterwards, and now Loy Krathong has been celebrated for centuries in cities around the country. Sukhothai is one of the best destinations in which to celebrate this holiday, as this is where it is believed to have originated.
Do you have an amazing picture celebrating Loy Krathong? Post your picture and tag us at #TheBigChilli.
