Loi Krathong is a traditional festival which is celebrated with great zeal and excitement all over Thiland, and also in some parts of Laos. It is celebrated on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month according to the traditional Thai lunar calendar.
According to the western calendar this usually falls in November. In Thailand “loi” means “to float” and “krathong” is traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk. However, nowadays it is often made of bread or styrofoam. A krathong is decorated irrespective of its composition with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense sticks. A low value coin is also included as an offering to the river spirits. On the night of full moon, the thai people float their decorated karthongs in a river, lake or a pond.
It is believed that in ancient times it was a practice for preaching and paying respect to the spirits of water. The atmosphere during the fest is worth admiring. Big rafts are decorated like a newly wedded bride. The government also takes part in the festival. Competitions are held for the decoration and craftsmenship of the rafts. Not only this, beauty competitions are also held.
Everyone celebrates the festival with happiness and unity. People fire crackers and enjoy the time. Not only the common people, but the place becomes a tourist attraction and is flooded with people all around the world. Kelantan in Malaysia also celebrates a festival with the same celebration, especially in the Tumpat area. The in charge ministry of tourism in Malaysia finds the festival as an attraction for tourists.
[ Photo courtesy of cedartree_13 ]