The festival takes place on the eve of the full moon during the 12th month in the traditional Thai Lunar calendar. This is usually November in the western calendar. There are various accounts of how and why the festival started, but it is thought that it was created by Buddhists in Thailand in order to honour the original Buddha, Siddhartha Guatama.
To understand this festival it is important to explain its meaning – the word ‘Loi' literally means ‘to float' while the word ‘Krathong' stands for the lotus shaped vessel that floats on the water, usually made from a banana tree stalk or even bread. The Krathongs are decorated with banana leaves, candles and flowers and then they are left to float down a river on the night of the full moon. This act is symbolic of letting go of all anger and grudges and starting over afresh, and many people believe that it will also bring good luck and happiness.
And the floating lanterns? Well those seem to have come from another festival that happens around the same time called Yi Peng, a time to make merit. During Yi Peng thousands of lanterns are lit and let off into the sky, creating a moving, flickering mass of lights gracefully floating through the sky of northern Thailand. Having the opportunity to take part in two cultural and spiritual festivals on the same night was really something quite astounding.