This week, Thailand is marking one of its biggest and most beautiful festivals: Loy (or Loi) Krathong, the Festival of Lights.
A central part of the festival is the floating candles that are set on rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water on the night of a full moon.
In the Thai lunar calendar, the festival falls on the evening of the 12th full moon, meaning the date changes from year to year.
This year the festival is marked on November 8, although in northern Thailand it usually lasts two to three days, as it coincides with another lantern festival, Yi Peng.
In Thai, ‘loy krathong’ roughly translates as ‘to float a basket’ - a krathong refers to the baskets used during the festival. Traditionally, they’re made out of banana leaves or bread and are adorned with candles, incense and flowers.
The Thailand Foundation says Loy Krathong is considered an “occasion for joy, gratitude, and new beginnings.” The festival is widespread across Thailand, as well as other parts of Southeast Asia, and the floating baskets can have different significance, depending where you are.
Often, the baskets can be an act of thanks for Phra Mae Khongkha, also known as the indu goddess Ganga - the personification of the river Ganges. For others, the act is connected to Buddha.
It’s also a way to pay homage to ancestors or look to new beginnings. Some people may attach prayers, memories or wishes to their krathongs and send them on their way downstream.
Loy Krathong has proved popular with tourists as well, but has been scaled back over the last few years due to Covid. For the 2022 festival however, both domestic and international tourists are expected to return, providing an economic boost.
- Asia Media Centre
