Loy Krathong (ลอยกระทง): Festival of Lights In Thailand

As we step into November, Thailand prepares to welcome one of its most beautiful and meaningful celebrations — Loy Krathong (ลอยกระทง), also known as the Festival of Lights.

This annual festival is a time to appreciate nature, express gratitude, and make wishes for a brighter future.

The Story Behind Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong is an ancient festival that originated from India and was later embraced and adapted by Thai culture.
It’s one of Thailand’s oldest traditions, celebrated on the full moon of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar, usually in November.

This festival represents a time to let go of bad luck and apologies to Phra Mae Khongkha, the Goddess of Water, for using and sometimes polluting her waters. 

Each region of Thailand celebrates it in its own unique way:

• In Northern Thailand, people release sky lanterns called Yi Peng into the air.

• In Northeastern Thailand, the celebration is known as Sip Song Peng, meaning “full moon of the twelfth month.”
  

  
  

  How Do Thai People Celebrate Loy Krathong?

  
  

  Loy Krathong is one of Thailand’s most colorful and heartwarming festivals, filled with light, music, and joy. Here’s how Thais usually celebrate this beautiful night of wishes and gratitude:

  
  

  1. Making the Krathong

  Before the big night, families and friends gather to create their own krathongs which is small floating baskets made from banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense sticks. Some people enjoy crafting them by hand, while others prefer to buy ready made krathongs from local markets.

  
  

  The creation of krathongs reflects the Thai people’s deep respect for nature and the long-standing tradition of using natural materials with care. These beautiful floating baskets showcase the incredible craftsmanship and creativity found in Thai culture.

  
  

  Right before releasing them into the water, people light the candles and incense, then bring the krathongs up to their foreheads. As they do this, they quietly express words of gratitude and make wishes for happiness, love, and good fortune.

  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  2. Floating the Krathong

  As the evening arrives, crowds gather near rivers, lakes, or ponds with their krathongs in hand. They light the candles and incense, make a wish, and gently set their krathongs afloat. This act symbolizes letting go of negativity and showing gratitude to the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha. According to Thai beliefs, if your krathong’s candle stays lit until it drifts out of sight, it means good luck will follow you throughout the year. 

  
  

  

  3. Cultural Performances & Beauty Contests

  Loy Krathong nights are lively with cultural shows, music, and dance performances. Many towns and schools hold parades and contests, including the famous “Nang Noppamas” beauty pageant, where participants dress in traditional Thai costumes, creating a truly magical and nostalgic atmosphere.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  4. Lantern Release in the North

  In places like Chiang Mai, the celebration is extra special because it coincides with the Yi Peng Festival. During this event, people release glowing paper lanterns into the sky. Watching thousands of lanterns rise together creates a breathtaking scene that represents letting go of worries and wishing for a brighter future. 

  
  

  
  

  
  5. Food, Fun & Togetherness

  Loy Krathong nights are full of street food stalls selling local favorites, from grilled meats and coconut desserts to traditional sweets.

  Families stroll around the festival grounds, enjoy fireworks, and take photos under the full moon, ending the night with happy hearts and full stomachs.
  

  
  

  Vocabulary for Loy Krathong festival

Loy Krathong is more than just a festival — it’s a reminder of gratitude, renewal, and togetherness. Whether you’re in Thailand or learning Thai from afar, take a moment this November to make a wish under the full moon and let your own “krathong” of worries float away.

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#ThaiForBeginners #ThaiCommunityMY 

References:

https://thailandfoundation.or.th/loy-krathong-festival-all-you-need-to-know/

https://www.highlightstravel.com/thailand/loy-krathong-festival