On the night of the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, the people of Thailand celebrate Loy Krathong, one of the most popular, and certainly the most romantic, of the Thai festivals.

On this night, people float little “krathongs”, lotus shaped vessels-traditionally made from banana leaves but nowadays often made from more modern materials such as Styrofoam or cardboard- down rivers and klongs, or canals. The “loy” in Loy Kratong means “float”.

At this time of year the rainy season has just finished and the rivers, streams and canals are all swelling.

On this evening, throughout the kingdom of Thailand, hundreds of thousands of beautifully-decorated krathong,or traditional banana leaf floats can be seen floating in canals, ponds, rivers and other waterways in the spell-binding ritual, also known as the “Festival of Lights”.

Placed inside the krathong are a candle, three incense sticks and a flower, and sometimes a few coins. People believe that by setting the krathong afloat, they are casting away any bad fortunes, grief and any tarnishing of one’s character. Good wishes and hopes for the future are sent along downstream with their wishes.

It is believed that if the candle stays alight until the krathong is out of sight, their wishes will come true. Young couples often float krathongs together with their dreams of staying together. Among the celebrations of Loy Krathong are fireworks displays as well as "The Noppamas Queen Contest".

Loy Krathong at Lumpini park, Bangkok.
Photo © 2007 Grant Cameron

There are various fascinating accounts about the origins of Loi Krathong. It is not known as to when the tradition first began but authorities speculate that it is of Indian origin and based on the "Deepavalee" ritual which is also accompanied by floating lights in an act of worship of the Brahmin gods - Brahma, Siva and Vishnu, or an act of remission to the Indian Ganga or Ganges.

According to another school of thought, the ritual is said to be based on ancient Buddhist tales and is undertaken to pay respect to the sacred footprint of the Lord Buddha on the bank of the mythical Nammadhammahantee river. However, given the river-based culture that formed the foundation of the traditional Thai way of life, Loi Krathong evolved into a ritual in which offerings are made to Mae Khongkha – Mother of Waters, the Thai equivalent of the Hindu goddess of water, in an expression of gratitude for providing life-sustaining water throughout the year.

It is also believed that the offering are made in an act of appeasement to beg her forgiveness for Man's carelessness in polluting the pristine water that nourishes all life. Over time the tradition spread throughout the country.