Loi Krathong is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar this
usually falls in November.
"Loi" means "to float". "Krathong" is a raft about a handspan in diameter traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk
(although modern-day versions use specially made bread 'flowers' and may use styrofoam), decorated with elaborately-folded
banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense sticks etc. During the night of the full moon, many people will release a small raft like this
on a river. Governmental offices, corporations and other organizations also build much bigger and more elaborate rafts, and these
are often judged in contests. In addition, fireworks and beauty contests take place during the festival.
The festival probably originated in India as a Hindu festival similar to Deepavali as thanksgiving to the deity of the Ganges with
floating lanterns for giving life throughout the year. According to the writings of H.M. King Rama IV in 1863, the originally Brahmanical
festival was adapted by Buddhists in Thailand as a ceremony to honour the original Buddha, Siddhartha Guatama. Apart from
venerating the Buddha with light (the candle on the raft), the act of floating away the candle raft is symbolic of letting go of all one's
grudges, anger and defilements, so that one can start life afresh on a better foot. People will also cut their fingernails and hair and
add them to the raft as a symbol of letting go of the bad parts of oneself. Many Thai believe that floating a krathong will create good
luck, and they do it to honor and thank the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha.
The beauty contests that accompany the festival are known as "Noppamas Queen Contests". According to legend, Noppamas was
a consort of the Sukothai king Loethai (14th century) and she was the first to float decorated krathongs. The Loi Krathong festival is
also associated with the start of vegetable carving.
The Thai tradition of Loy Kratong started off in Sukhothai, but is now celebrated throughout Thailand, with the festivities in Chiang Mai
and Ayutthaya being particularly well known.
In Chiang Mai Loi Kratong is also known as "Yi Peng". Every year thousands of people assemble to float the banana-leaf krathong
onto the waterways of the city, honouring the Goddess of Water. A multitude of Lanna-style sky lanterns (khom fai) are also launched
into the air where they resemble large flocks of giant fluorescent jellyfish gracefully floating by through the skies. These are believed
to help rid the locals of troubles and are also taken to decorate houses and streets.
Kelantan also has the same celebration, especially in the Tumpat area. The ministry in charge of tourism in Malaysia recognises it
as an attraction for tourist. Many people visit the celebration each year.
Loy Krathong Song
November full moon shines,
Loi Krathong, Loi Krathong,
and the water's high
in the river and local klong,
Loi Loi Krathong,
Loi Loi Krathong,
Loi Krathong is here and everybody's full of cheer,
We're together at the klong,
We're together at the klong,
Each one with this krathong,
As we push away we pray,
We can see a better day.
This is one scenery along Chao Phraya River on the day of Loy Krathong Festival.
Loy Kratong Festival day cruise in the Thai environment. On to you stream.
Grand Pearl Cruise, River Sun Cruise, River King Cruise, Manorah Cruise, Jak Kaew Cruise, Wanfah Cruise,
Loynava Cruise, Mekhala Cruise, Chaophraya Cruise, Chaophraya Princess Cruise.
Two sheltered riverside museums you. Through key locations. The Chao Phraya River side.
Loi Krathong Festival,
Chao Phraya River.
Fireworks and large rafts on the Chao Phraya River, Loy Krathong Festival of Light,
Bangkok, November.
Loy Kratong Festival Day Festival in the night.
Scenery of the river Rama 8 bridge. Very beautiful.
Loy Kratong Festival Day Festival in the night.
Krathong Krathong Krathong Very beautiful.
Beautifully Beautifully Beautifully.
Grand Pearl Cruise.
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