Loi Krathong is an annual festival celebrated on Thailand and Laos during the full moon of the 12th Thai month (November). Roughly translated, Loi Krathong means “to float a basket” and the purpose of the festival is twofold – to honour the Goddess of Water and to release any bad luck and negativity. Loi Krathong is rumoured to have started many years ago in the old city of Sukhothai, Siam’s ancient spiritual centre. The ancient ruins were lit up and surrounded by hundreds of candles and krathongs floating on the various ponds within the park. Krathongs are baskets made from various natural elements: a banana tree trunk forms the base and is adorned with banana leaves, candles, flowers and three sticks of incense in various designs and sizes. Modern krathongs are also made of paper. Various regions in Thailand celebrate Loi Krathong differently. In Sukhothai, locals send their krathong down the river and make a wish. This is done to honour the water spirits and the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha post the rainy season and the rice harvest. The candles and light represent Buddha and enlightenment and the practice also symbolises letting go of negative emotions. Traditionalists also include a strand of hair or nail clipping to symbolise letting go of the past. The festival of Loi Krathong is normally celebrated with traditional dancing, various entertainment as well as an impressive fireworks display. However, the festival was toned down this year in honour and commemoration of the late King Bhumibol, who passed away on 13 October.
Thai people are still observing the month of mourning, and thousands of people paid honour to the King in a ceremony on Sunday night (13 November 2016).
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July 2017
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