Loi Krathong

A luminous Thai festival of floating lanterns to honour the water spirits.

Loy Krathong is a Thai festival celebrated annually throughout Thailand and in nearby countries with significant South Western Tai cultures. The name could be translated as "to float ritual vessel or lamp," and comes from the tradition of making krathong or buoyant, decorated baskets, which are then floated on a river. Originally limited to Bangkok elites, Loy Krathong became an “invented tradition” in post-WWII Thailand in response to nationalism and to drive tourism. Many Thais use the krathong to thank the Goddess of Water and River, Goddess Khongkha This festival along with other Hindu/brahmanical beliefs and practices trace back to India and were first practiced during the 11th/12th century Angkorian period of the Khmer Empire, pre-dating Sukhothai.

Source: Wikipedia — Loy Krathong

No Loi Krathong celebration is complete without its signature dishes, shared with family and community throughout the festivities.