One of the most popular and by far the most romantic festivals in Thailand is called Loy Krathong. Celebrated annually on the full moon in November, both Samuians and tourists alike gather side by side along the waters edges of the island to release into the waiting mists a gift of prayer and tribute to the gods that preside therein.
‘Loy’ is the Thai word for ‘float’ and ‘Krathong’ refers to a small lotus shaped boat made from the stem and leaves of a banana plant; so the name of the festival means literally, to float your banana boat! Each Krathong is adorned in fragrant flowers and also holds a candle, 3 incense sticks and some coins as an offering to the Goddess of Water. It is a time when people offer thanks for the good fortune they have received over the past year, and apologise for any wrongs they have committed, offering their wishes, prayers and Krathongs to the River Goddess, or if you live on an island to the Goddess of the Sea.
Isn’t this a Hindus origin celebration referring to the River Ganges?