There's a Reason for the World

I apologize for my absence and inconsistent posting. I’m back to give you a very interesting event in this November, “the full moon night” falls on the 24th this year

“Loy Krathong” is probably the most visually evocative of all Festivals held in Thailand. It would take a very mean spirited individual not to be moved by the sight of a November on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, with thousands of candles and incense sticks flickering and burning on floating Krathongs.

The floating of a ‘Krathong' – a banana–leaf cup – is intended to float away ill fortune as well as to express apologies to Khongkha or Ganga, the River Goddess. Some believe that the ritual is meant to worship the Buddha's footprint on the bank of the Narmada River, while others say that it is to pay respect to Phra Uppakhut, one of the Lord Buddha's great disciples. The Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated nationwide in Thailand, especially where there are rivers, canals or sources of water, with different unique characteristics.

During the evening, many people will go down to their local klong (canal) or river to float their krathongs. They believe this will bring them good luck. The krathongs (see picture above) contain a flower, a candle and three incense sticks which are lighted before being placed on the water. The people usually make a wish at the same time. Some people believe that if the candle remains burning until the krathong is out of sight then their wish will come true. By the end of the evening, there are hundreds of flickering lights bobbing up and down on the water.

As the Candles and incense sticks are lit and the obligatory coins also placed on them, the Krathongs will be launched by young and all. The river soon comes to life with the flicker of candlelight and the musky odour of burning incense. Quite often there are also firework displays as well as shows and beauty contests for everyone. Overall it is really a memorable evening.