In the world there are festivals that for its color seem to have come out of a fairy, but a celebration that stands apart for its striking magic is the “Loi Krathong”. This festival is one of the largest in Thailand and spread its magic to Thais and visitors during the full moon of the twelfth month of the Buddhist calendar, being the month of November in the western calendar making it a reference point to visit this country.
Etymologically “Loi” in Thai means “to float” and in turn the word “Krathong” is used in reference to a raft or “boat-shaped lotus” which is placed in water; so a rough translation might be a “floating boat”. Usually, a traditional Krathong is made from leaves or the banana tree bark and decorated with flowers, candles, incense sticks and even food or coins; letting it float on the waters of the rivers so that they wash away all bad influences, thanking the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha for all the good that has been received during the year.
What is striking about this celebration occurs when thousands of Krathong with lighted candles are found with others, because from that moment it is formed a light show that turns the water into one of the centers of attention. However, this is not the only thing that is illuminated during this festival, as well as part of the celebration thousands of flying lanterns or “Khom Loi” are released, filling the sky with colors; what makes this combination of light in the water and the sky lights, become one of the most fantastic and incredible experiences of the world.
However, these are not the only attractions of the festival, because besides boats and floating lanterns, the atmosphere is alive with music, dancing, fireworks, beauty pageants and food stalls where you can taste the most delicious dishes Thai cuisine. Thus, the places where the “Loi Krathong” is lived more intensely are: “Sukhothai”, “Chiang Mai” and “Tak”.
Although its origin is unknown, some say it looks like another Hindu festival known as “Diwali” where thank offerings to the goddess of water for the crops and the rains are also deposited; it is copied by the ancient inhabitants of Thailand. However, another version indicates that in the thirteenth century, there was a drought and one of the concubines of the King launched a “Krathong” to the water to ask abundance to the God Buddha and from there they decided to hold the festival.
You know why this festival is one of the most colorful, so we invite you to visit Thailand and meet it in person, but you should know that the celebration lasts days and is performed before and after the full moon, so please schedule your visit to enjoy to the fullest.