In Thailand, the Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated annually in November, on the full moon night of the 12th month in the lunar calendar. In 2024, according to the Gregorian calendar, the festival will take place on November 15.
The festival is believed to have been influenced by Hinduism traditions from India. It is held to honor the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha, as a way to show gratitude and ask for forgiveness for using and polluting water, or it may be a shared cultural tradition that has been passed down for generations across Southeast Asia.
A Krathong refers to a vessel made from banana leaves or other natural materials. The krathongs used in the Loy Krathong Festival are specially crafted from banana stalks and leaves, designed to resemble a lotus flower. These krathongs are decorated with flowers, incense sticks, and candles. People may also place coins inside as offerings. During the festival, krathongs are released into rivers as part of the ritual. In recent years, to promote environmental sustainability, krathongs made from biodegradable materials such as bread or ice have become more popular, as they cause less harm to the environment.
For those interested in experiencing the Loy Krathong Festival or visiting Thailand during this time, and who would like a close-up experience with elephants, you can explore the various programs offered by Elephant Retirement Park by visiting their website at www.elephantretirementpark.com.
