”Loi Kra Tong Festival 16/11/05“

Loi Kra Tong Festival This year on 16 November 2005

 Loy Kratong IS without doubt the most magical of Thailand`s many wonderful festivals. Rooted far in the past, it has come down over the centuries almost unchanged. Similar festivals are found in the southern part of China, in Laos and in Cambodia, and it probably was based on the ancient Hindu concept of the Mother of Waters. Loy Krathong is not a religious festival in its origins as such but arose from animistic beliefs. It is a moon festival, coinciding with the full moon at the end of the 11th lunar month, and celebrates the end of the life-giving rains. Thanks are given for the abundant harvest of the year just passed and wishes made for bountiful produce in the year to come. It is also highly symbolic, with the floating away of the Krathong representing a cleansing of sins.