The Loy Krathong Festival reminds most people of birthday celebrations where the birthday girl or boy blows out the candles with a heart full of wishes. The Thais celebrate a more symbolic occasion, the Loy Krathong by letting candles go adrift into a body of water. The festival is held on the full moon night of the twelfth month in the lunar calendar, which usually occurs in November. A full moon glimmering in the ripples of a river is both a beautiful sight and a romantic setting. To see flickers of light floating in those waters is aptly described by the Thais as magical.
In Thailand the festival marks the end of the main harvest and it is a note of thanks to the goddess of water who supports the farmers during their farming season. For others it denotes a new beginning; a point of time from which one can detach oneself from any adversity or misfortune. Young people see it as a prosperous time of the year to find their soul mate.
The festival derives its name from the use of krathongs or small vessels in which candles, flowers, incense sticks, food and coins are placed before they drift along the river banks. Traditionally krathongs were made from banana trunks but now you can find those made from coconut shells, Styrofoam and craft paper. Historically the practice was to release the krathongs into klongs, a body of water such as a canal or river. This aspect has been modified and ponds, lakes and even pools are used for the purpose.
If you happen to be in Thailand when the event takes place you will find most hotels and many a
Bangkok apartment using their pools to make their clients wishes come true. Make some of your dreams come true while youre there itself as you tuck into the sumptuous
international cuisine Bangkok. Find most forms of relaxation you crave for in the city and at the hotels themselves. The Bangkok President Park is among the most famous in fulfilling these desires to the utmost.
