LET’S CELEBRATE THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Loi Krathong, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of Thailand’s most recognized celebrations and will be held on Monday, November 11, 2019, across the country. Loi Krathong is a yearly celebration
The origin of this ceremony is not clear,
the option to purchase a ready-made
that takes place on the evening of the
but it is believed to have originated
Krathong at several designated areas.
full moon of the 12th month in the
from Chiang Mai in the 40s as a way
In Phuket, it is common to celebrate
traditional Thai lunar calendar, so the
to pay respect to the water spirits and
this ceremony at Saphan Hin Park, Nai
date may vary from year to year. In the
has since then spread to the rest of the
Harn lake, Karon Lake, Kathu lake and
Thai language, Loi means “to float”,
country.
in Cherng Talay. Many beaches, such as
while a Krathong is a small floating container made of leaves.
Patong, will allow people to place their The base of the Krathong is usually
Krathong in the water, too.
made of a piece of banana tree trunk Every year, millions of Thai, expatriates,
and is decorated with banana leaves
Make sure to use original Krathongs,
and tourists bring their Krathong to the
and flowers and topped off with
and not the ones made with Styrofoam,
nearest source of water, such as a lake
incense sticks and a candle.
as those are not biodegradable. Some
or the sea, and gently place it on the
Krathongs are also made with a base
surface of the water, where it will float
While creating your very own Krathong
of bread, so that fish can feast on the
away, bringing good luck to the ones
can be a lot of fun and a great
small floating devices.
who partake in the ceremony.
opportunity to spend time with your friends and family, you will also have
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | NOVEMBER 2019
