Loi Krathong Festival In Thailand

Loi Krathong, the tradition of setting banana-leaf boats with flickering candles adrift in rivers and waterways and aptly named the "Festival of Light", is now one of Thailand's most internationally known festivals. From its Brahmin roots, the ceremony has evolved over time and come to be part of a Buddhist ritual performed as an act of deep reverence and worship of the sacred relics and holy footprints of Lord Buddha.

In a revival of long lost customs of the ancient capital, the Bangkok Loi Krathong Festival sets out to promote and preserve the royal rituals of the early Rattanakosin period (19th century) in which several types of lanterns were set afloat in the Chao Phraya River and its waterways. The practice was subsequently adopted and adapted by common folk and has evolved into the "Loi Krathong" tradition we know of today. Krathongs are made from basic materials easily found around the village and typically take the shape of lotus in full bloom, swans, chedis (stupas), and Mount Meru from Buddhist mythology.

The lighting of fireworks is undertaken in the same spirit as when lighting candles in an act of worship. Therefore, fireworks displays become an integral element of the secular and religious rituals performed.

Thank : Tourism Authority of Thailand.