Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Festival of Light - Loy Krathong in Thailand

Festival of Light - Loy Krathong in ThailandLoy Krathong is provided on 24 November 2007. Also known as the “Festival of Lights”, the Loy Krathong Sai Festival is celebrated each year on the day of the full moon in the 12th lunar month and is one of the country’s most popular celebrations. Beginning on the first evening of the full moon, the Thailand festival has Buddhist origins and offers thanks to the Goddess of Water at the end of the rainy season.

Traditionally, participants head to rivers around the country to set their “krathongs” – a lotus-shaped vessel made from banana leaves that is laden with candles and burning incense – afloat, making a wish as they do so. Many hotels and institutions hold special events as part of the festival and all are welcome to participate in the celebrations. Most of the country celebrates in some way on the night of the full moon, but many towns and cities have celebrations that last for several days