Autumn Magic in Thailand with Loy Krathong, Lantern Festival.

Everything you need to know about the Lantern Festival in Thailand!

A bit of history...

First of all, we absolutely must start from the beginning. The origins of this celebration. Loy Krathong was born in the city of Sukhothai, located 427 kilometers north of Bangkok. Today, it is celebrated absolutely everywhere throughout the country. You're probably wondering what Loy Krathong means? In Thai, "loy" means the verb to float, while "Krathong" directly refers to a small raft barely larger than a branch, about twenty centimeters in diameter. Their shape resembles the magnificent lotus leaf, which grows throughout the country. Today, we find different versions: made of plastic or polystyrene, to better resist water.

Interesting fact: Originally, Thais built the Krathong by cutting a banana trunk which they then adorned with beautiful flowers. Tradition dictates that the festival takes place during the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, at the end of the rainy season.

This tradition dates back several thousand years, to the 13th century more precisely. King Ramkhamhaeng, 2nd sovereign of the new kingdom of Sukhothai, appreciated and venerated by his subjects, decided to establish a Hindu tradition, dedicated to thanking the goddess of waters. This tradition therefore honors the Hindu goddess of waters and water spirits: "Mae Khongkha". Playing a very important role in the daily life of Thais, it is through her that they implore forgiveness for polluting rivers and mercy. They thus ask for indulgence and benevolence, with a view to harvesting good crops, and being able to easily feed the entire country. It is also important to note that the festival also allows to honor Buddha "Gautama Sidhartha, who through the community of wandering monks he founded, gave birth to Buddhism. Every year, in November, the entire Thai population deposits their Krathongs at the edge of rivers, lakes, basins, in the sky... To illuminate sky and earth.

Gifts and offerings, more or less out of the ordinary

Thais therefore let their Krathong fly away by placing a lit candle and some incense in it. These celestial lanterns offer a magnificent spectacle that illuminates the entire sky.

Some add their nails and a few strands of their hair to the krathong. This allows them to take away all their daily anxieties, their problems and their resentments, to better entrust them to the goddess Mae Khongkha, who is strong and robust enough to handle them and make them disappear. After all, everyone needs to learn, grow, evolve everyone also needs to refocus, return to themselves, and slow down. Extracting all negative emotions from one's mind, allows one to be more comfortable and in tune with oneself. "Don't they say a healthy mind in a healthy body"? After this cultural ceremony, Thais feel more serene to move forward and believe in their abilities and their good harvests. An excellent way to regain confidence in life!

Where to see the Lantern Festival in Thailand?

It will be easy for you to attend the festival as it is so renowned and appreciated. However, in Thailand, there are some spots and places where the festival is even more grandiose, more beautiful, and more illuminated! If you're looking for some places to better admire it, here's a small list:

• In Sukhothai, where it all began. The city offers a magical spectacle, where people sing, eat and dance under a starry sky of a thousand and one lanterns. By mingling with the crowd, you will simply be amazed by so much joy and good humor. Sound and light show guaranteed!
• In the city of Chiang Mai. Walking along the beautiful river, you can