Loy Kratong festival is a ceremony honoring the Goddess of the river. In Thailand, it is annually held on a full moon evening in November. Krathongs are small vessels or cups often made of cut banana stems, leafs and contain flowers, candles and joss sticks. They are released to the rivers and left to float downstream. Before releasing the Kratongs one asks for forgiveness to the Goddess of the river for polluting her and makes wishes for the future. It is one of the many religious customs in Thailand. During this period, at the end of the rainy season, most areas around rivers and canals are flooded. This occurrence sparked an old Thai saying; in the 11th lunar month there is flooding and in the 12th lunar month the (stagnant) flood waters are retreating. This period is a time for rejoicing as the weather is changing for the better. The rain season is more or less over and the winter or cool season is beginning. The moon is also at its brightest this time of the year. At present, the Loy Kratong Tradition is a major celebration in Thailand.