EVENTS

November 2007

Loy Krathong

“Loi Krathong” is traditionally performed on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, of the Thai calendar every year. This year it falls on November 24th.

The festival is held to give thanks to the Goddess of River and to ask for amnesty in polluting the waterways. The word "Loy" means to float and "Krathong" means a banana-leaf cup.

A beautiful "Krathong" decorated with colorful flowers is made as an offering to the Goddess. All rivers and waterways will be full of floating Krathong with glittering candle lit. Loy Krathong is one of the most picturesque and recognized festivals in Thailand.

The floating of a ‘Krathong' – a banana–leaf cup – is intended to float away ill fortune as well as to express apologies to Khongkha or Ganga, the River Goddess. Some believe that the ritual is meant to worship the Buddha's footprint on the bank of the Narmada River, while others say that it is to pay respect to Phra Uppakhut, one of the Lord Buddha's great disciples.

The Loi Krathong Festival is celebrated nationwide in Thailand, especially where there are rivers, canals or sources of water, with different unique characteristics.

This year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has joined with The Educational Institution and The Thai Boat Association to present the Electric Float Procession from Taksin Bridge to Krungthon Bridge and to light up 12 buildings and historical sites along the Chao Praya River during Loi Krathong Festival.

Please find a selection of photos of Loy Krathong.