Imperial College Buddhist Society

One of the most popular festivals held in early November is the Loy Krathong Festival. It takes place at just the right time when the weather is very pleasant and the monsoon showers have left the water level high throughout the country.

“Loy” means “to float” and a “Krathong” is a name for the lotus-shaped vessel made of banana leaves. The Krathong usually contains a candle, three incense sticks, fresh flowers and some coins.

In fact, the festival is of Brahmin origin dedicated to appeasing the Goddess of the water. Today, the festival commences on the evening of the full moon day and by the full moon, many people from all walks of life would gather to light the candles and incense sticks, give thanks to the Goddess of water, make a wish and gently launch their Krathongs in any water way; often in canals, rivers or ponds. It is believed that the Krathongs would carry away their bad luck, and bring forth their wishes. Indeed, it is a time to be joyous and happy as any previous suffering has been cast away together with the Krathongs.

Under the reflection of the full moon, the sight of the numerous multicolored Krathongs with their flickering candle lights gently drifting above the surface of the water makes it one of the most beautiful and romantic festival within the Buddhist calendar.

A beauty Queen Contest is an important part of the Thai festival and for only this occasion it is called “Miss Noppamas Contest”. Noppamas was the chief royal consort of the King, named “Lithai” in the Sukhothai period. She was said to have made the first ever decorated Krathong to float in the river on the occasion.

-quoted from http://www.buddhapadipa.org/0/9169FFDD201D1A3E80257157007117CB