Loy Krathong Festival in Thailand (Part 2):: Gods of Heaven and River, Grant Me a Happy and Prosperous New Year:: Chiang Mai

As time has passed, along with the Thai people's polytheistic and inclusive religious beliefs, the traditions of the Loy Krathong Festival have gradually blended with religion and spirituality, developing into multiple concepts including reverence for heaven, Buddha, deities, and prayers for blessings. On this day each year, people across Thailand gather by riversides to release krathongs (floating lanterns). The designs of these krathongs have become increasingly diverse, but most still maintain the traditional lotus shape made from banana leaves, adorned with various flowers, leaves, coins, and spices, with a candle placed in the center.



 

When night falls, people head to the riverbanks, clasp their hands together, and close their eyes to thank the Buddha and the river spirits for their care over the past year, while also hoping that past hardships, misfortunes, sadness, and bad luck will float away with the krathongs and disappear. They wish for a year filled with good fortune. They also sing the traditional Loy Krathong song that is still widely sung today: “On a night illuminated by the full moon… everyone comes to celebrate Loy Krathong… we release krathongs, we pray for blessings, we glimpse a brighter tomorrow.”



 

In addition to releasing krathongs, some places also launch sky lanterns. In Thailand, sky lanterns come in two types: fire lanterns and smoke lanterns. The former are similar to the Chinese sky lanterns—made of thin paper stretched over bamboo frames—and are typically released at night. The latter involve blowing smoke into a paper ball, causing it to float in the air, and are released during the day. Both types carry the meaning of commemorating the heavenly deity Phra Thar Jura Manee, used to pray to the gods and to release all the misfortunes and unhappiness of the past year into the sky, where they dissipate and vanish. Interestingly, to show reverence and devotion, some places even invite monks to chant scriptures beforehand, adding a sense of solemnity to the event.


 

Looking down, the tranquil river, dotted with glowing krathongs, becomes a river of candles filled with wishes and blessings; looking up, the slowly ascending sky lanterns draw a Milky Way across the night sky. The two rivers reflect each other, both brimming with the most heartfelt hopes and the most sincere prayers of the Thai people.