Loy Krathong Festival 2023
Date: 23 November 2023Loi Krathong takes place on a full moon evening of the twelfth month, according to the Thai lunar calendar. The date changes every year, but it usually occurs in October or November, according to the Western calendar. The exact date is usually announced a month in advance.
What does Loy Krathong mean?
The word 'loi' means to float. 'Krathong' is used to refer to a small container or basket, which is decorated with banana leaves, flowers, incense sticks, and candles. The Krathong is usually made from the cellulose trunk of a banana tree, bread, or Styrofoam.
The name of the festival thus means 'to float a basket,' which is one of the most common forms of its celebration. The idea behind it is to get rid of all your misfortunes and float them away, leading to a fresh start. This allows people to purify their minds and lighten the soul.Origin & Significance of Loy Krathong
The origin of Loi Krathong has many stories attached to it. One belief is that since Thai people have a close connection to rivers, this festival allows people to pay respects and worship the river and the river goddess, Pra Mae Khongkha. The people show gratitude for their plentiful water resources and ask for forgiveness for the pollution.Another story links the traditions to a court lady named Nopphamat from Sukhothai about 800 years ago. Several others also believe that it used to be a Brahmanic festival, which was later adapted by Thai Buddhists to worship the Buddha. Loy Krathong is also seen as a time to wash away the sins of the past year and welcome good fortune and luck in the coming year. It is a way to let go of one's anger, -hatred, and negative thoughts.
Loy Krathong Activities & Traditions
Krathong Making: In the days leading up to the festival, people create their krathongs using natural materials such as banana leaves, flowers, incense sticks, and candles. These beautifully crafted krathongs are often small works of art.
Floating Krathongs: As the full moon begins to rise, thousands flock to the nearest beach or seashore to release their Krathong into the water. The body of water becomes illuminated with thousands of lights, indeed a sight to behold. The release of the Krathong is done to promote good fortune, with the belief that if the Krathong floats away, then the coming year will be filled with success and happiness. People often place personal items, such as coins or nail clippings, on the Krathong, as an offering to the river spirits. Even large corporations and government offices launch krathongs into the water.
Cultural Performances: Many towns and cities host cultural events and performances, including traditional Thai music and dance. These celebrations add to the festive atmosphere and offer visitors a chance to experience Thai culture.
Lantern Lighting: In some areas, especially in northern Thailand, people also release sky lanterns known as "khom loi" into the night sky. These glowing lanterns create a surreal spectacle as they rise and float away, symbolizing the release of worries and ill fortunes.
Fireworks: Firework displays are a common part of the festivities, adding a touch of magic to the night.
Krathong Competitions: Some regions hold krathong-making competitions, with participants showcasing their creativity and skill in crafting the most beautiful krathongs. The festival also includes some activities, such as boat races, lantern processions, and parades. Beauty contests are also held, where the winner is crowned the title "Queen of Beauty" or 'Nang Noppamas'. Years ago, Nang Noppamas were the noble companions of the King of Siam, who initiated the festival.
Ceremonies at Temples: The annual festival is celebrated with many rituals at the Buddhist temples in the region. Makeshift steps are constructed in several rivers or water body areas to allow people to enter the water. One can see many stalls selling food, beverages, and readymade krathongs.
Traditional Costumes: During Loy Krathong, it's common to see people dressed in traditional Thai attire, adding to the cultural ambiance of the festival.
The celebration of Loi Krathong coincides with the Lanna (or Northern Thailand) festival, Yi Peng, or the 'lantern festival'. Its festivities involve lantern parades, colorful hanging lantern decorations in houses and temples and a release of lanterns into the night sky. However, the law allows people to release their sky lanterns or 'khom loy' only at a specific time and date.
Loy Krathong Celebrations in Thailand
1. Sukhothai
One of the most popular places to celebrate the festival, the celebration of Loi Krathong continues for about five days in Sukhothai. It is often believed to be the birthplace of the festival. Besides the floating lights, one can also see alm-giving to Buddhist monks and a variety of parades, dramas, performances, light and sound shows, beauty contests, and more!2. Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand was the capital of the former Lanna Kingdom and is known for the celebration of the Lanna festival, Yi Peng, during Loi Krathong. People can enjoy the picturesque views of sky lanterns, colorful parades, exhibitions, fireworks, and traditional dance shows in Chiang Mai.3. Bangkok
Bangkok is recognized as a great Loi Krathong destination for its number of ponds and waterways to launch the Krathong. Some favorite locations to float your Krathong are the Chao Phraya River, Asiatique Riverside, Wat Saket, Lumpini Park, and Benjasiri Park. One can enjoy traditional Loi Krathong festival displays, floating processions, and fireworks!4. Phuket
Most of the major beaches in Phuket enjoy large crowds as they participate in the Loi Krathong celebrations, including places like Nai Harn Lake, Patong Beach, Saphan Hin Park, and Suan Luang Park.Other places in Thailand, such as Tak and Ayutthaya, are also recognized for their vast celebrations, including musical and cultural performances, as well as some competitions and contests.
Tips to Enjoy Loy Krathong
- Opt for the Krathong made of banana trunk or bread rather than styrofoam, as they are biodegradable and, thus, more eco-friendly.
- Try to walk to the events during the festival so that you can avoid traffic.
- If you plan on visiting a temple, buy the Krathong after you finish.
- Do not wear any revealing clothes if you wish to visit the temples.
- Bring a lighter with you to light the candles and incense sticks.
- Be respectful and careful of your surroundings; the festival is a religious and spiritual one.
- Don't forget to bring a camera!