Loy Krathong, one of Thailand’s most vibrant and symbolic festivals, is celebrated annually during the full moon of the twelfth month in the Thai lunar calendar, which corresponds to November in the Gregorian calendar. This tradition has captivated both locals and visitors from around the world with its beauty and spiritual significance.

Historical Background

Loy Krathong has a history spanning several centuries and is believed to have its roots in the Sukhothai period (1238–1438), which was Thailand’s first kingdom. Originally, the festival was a form of thanksgiving to the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha, who is believed to provide water for the people and their agriculture.

It is also a symbolic gesture to seek forgiveness for polluting and exploiting the water, as well as an opportunity for participants to leave behind worries and wrongdoings from the past year. This is done by sending off a “krathong”—a small raft made of banana leaves, often decorated with flowers, incense, and candles—down a river, lake, or other body of water.

Why Is Loy Krathong Celebrated?

The most important aspect of Loy Krathong is to restore harmony and show respect for the powers of water. By letting a krathong float away, one symbolically releases their worries and sins, creating a sense of purification and a new beginning. The candles on the krathong symbolize hope and prayers for a bright and happy future.

Many people participate in the celebration to express wishes for love and happiness, which is why couples often send their krathongs off together. It is common for those in love to sit by the water, hold hands, and watch as their floating krathong slowly disappears into the darkness.

Celebrations Today – In Thailand and Abroad

In recent years, Loy Krathong has gained even more global attention. Places like Chiang Mai, known for its combined celebration of Loy Krathong and Yi Peng (the famous lantern festival), attract thousands of tourists each year. In Bangkok, spectacular events are held along the Chao Phraya River, while other cities such as Sukhothai and Ayutthaya see an increase in visitors who come to experience the festival in its historical setting.

The pandemic affected the festival in recent years through reduced celebrations and more restrictive measures, but 2023 saw a return to the large, colorful ceremonies that many had missed. This year, the celebration is expected to be bigger and more vibrant than ever. Chiang Mai is preparing with extensive lantern releases, musical performances, and markets filled with local delicacies and souvenirs.

Internationally, the celebration has spread to countries such as the USA, the UK, and Australia, where Thai communities organize smaller Loy Krathong events to keep the tradition alive. These often showcase a blend of Thai culture with other global influences, making the festival unique at each location.

What to Expect This Year

This year, the celebration is expected to be a mix of tradition and innovation. Communities will focus more on sustainable materials for krathongs to reduce environmental impact, with banana leaves and bread as common alternatives that benefit the ecosystem. This renewed environmental awareness has become a way for the Thai people to merge tradition with modern demands for sustainability.

Loy Krathong is not just a festival—it is an experience that unites spirituality, history, and community. Whether in Thailand or celebrating in another country, Loy Krathong captures the magic of people’s wishes and hopes as they float away toward the horizon, illuminated by the glow of countless lights.