Traditional Loy Kratong - Festival of Lights Celebration - Bangkok Thailand 2023

History of Loy Krathong Festival

Loy Krathong Festival originated from an old Brahmin festival that paid respects to the water spirits. Thai people float krathongs to give thanks to the water goddess for the fortune of having water while others will ask for forgiveness for using too much or contaminating it.

Loy Krathong originated in the ancient Sukhothai Kingdom, over 800 years ago. The King, Ramkamhang, was a devout Buddhist and believed that at the end of the Thai year his people should pay tribute to the water goddess, Phra Mae Khong Ka, for all they had been given. So he chose a night with a full moon after the monsoons, meaning the rivers and canals would be at their fullest, to worship.

A popular legend says that one of the King's consorts, Nang Noppamas, was the one who created the first Krathong. Noppamas was the daughter of a Brahmin priest and adapted an existing Brahmin tradition to make the float from banana leaves. The king was impressed and he proclaimed that every year on this day people should celebrate Loy Krathong in the same way.

Another legend is rooted in ancient Hindu rituals. It is claimed that the festival was created to honor the magical Nagas. Nagas are serpent like mythical creatures that are said to live in bodies of water. They are often thought of as protectors of Buddha, but when angered they can spread disease and famine. To keep the Nagas happy and with the hope of receiving merit in return, devout Hindus will send offerings down lakes and rivers.

Where ever the tradition comes from it’s a major event in Thailand now. It’s a great event for everyone in the family to get together and go send their floats away in one of the many lakes, rivers or canals in the country. It’s one of my favorite things to see and take part of every year.

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