Loi Krathong, Festival of Lights.

Loi Krathong celebrations at Wat Yannawa, Bangkok

Loi Kratong is one of the most beautiful festival in Thailand. It happens on the 12th full moon and loi means 'float', whereas kratong is the 'floating receptable' usually made out of banana leaves. Some of these can be real work of art and are traditionnally made with plants and flowers. Before they are put on the water to float, the candle is lit and it is the time when a wish can be done.

Lighting the candle

usually marks the end of the rainy season. It is meant to honor the water goddess. So every piece of water in the country will be lit with floating candle offerings. In Thai

The origin of Loi Krathong is unclear. But even though Buddhist Temples across the country celebrate the occasion, it has probably a Hindu origin. It happens at the same time as the Hindu Deepavali. The history of Loi Krathong goes back to the Sukhothai period, where it was first seen. It shows the ambivalence of the Thai religious belief, which is a mix of Hinduism and Sri Lankan Buddhism. It happens in correlation with a seasonal change in a full moon. Symbolically, it honors two natural entities: water on one side, fire, on the other. The first is a feminine element (the goddess of water) and the second is a male element (the god of fire). 

Anyhow, this is a very pretty and festive occasion in the country, which is widely celebrated all over the places.

--> Loy Krathong (French)

The making of a Loi Krathong at the Flower market

Selling loi krathongs at Saphan Taksin

Loi Krathong stall

Loi Krathongs ready to float

Thai family offering

Buddhist celebration at Wat Yannawa

Orchid loi krathongs

Floating candles

Loi Krathong in the shape of a boat.

Boy's hairdo

Loi Krathong ready to float on the river

At the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok

Christian  Sorand