Loi Krathong is a traditional Thai festival of lights that is celebrated every year on the day of the full moon in the twelfth month of the traditional Thai lunisolar calendar. This is usually in November.
During the festival, small floating rafts, known as krathongs, made of banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense sticks are set out on rivers, lakes and canals. This symbolizes the letting go of anger, resentment and impurities of the soul in order to start a new life in a better state.
The festival is also considered a thanksgiving to the water goddess Mae Khongkha and many Thais take the opportunity to thank her for the past year and ask for forgiveness.
Remember the Thai Year: The Thai calendar begins 543 years before the Gregorian calendar, as it is based on the death of Buddha (544 BC) instead of the birth of Christ.
