Loi Krathong~ Floating of Basket in Thailand

Loi Krathong means “to float a basket” where Thai people float a basket or a basket made up of leaves or bread etc. So is basically worshipping to the water spirits.

It is the Siamese festival and is celebrated throughout Thailand or some neighboring countries like Laos, Shan, etc, also celebrated in other parts of the world where it has a different name to it like “ Bon Om Touk “ in Cambodia, “ II Full Moon Poya” in Sri Lanka, etc.

They celebrate it on a full moon evening of the 12th month based on Thai Calender.

How people celebrate it?

The basket is made up of leaves like banana or spider Lilly leaves. Sometimes a non-biodegradable material is also used, but in recent years, it has been banned as it contaminated the water, and affected marine life.

People go to different places and celebrate it worshipping the water spirits, offering something in the basket and lighting a candle on it. It may be a dessert or coin or, etc.and enjoying fireworks.

In different regions, people create innovative and beautiful baskets and participate in beauty contests too.