Happy Loy Kratong everyone! Loy Kratong is the Thai festival of giving thanks (a Thai “Thanksgiving”, you could say!) and of making wishes for the year ahead. The most beloved part of the festival is the floating of “kratongs”, which are small lotus-shaped receptacles made of banana leaves and flowers, into a pond or river.  Per tradition, people pray to the water goddess as they light the candles and incense on the kratong, asking to have their troubles float away and to be blessed with good luck. As the night goes on, rivers and ponds across Thailand are illuminated with small candle-lit floats, making this easily one of the most beautiful Thai festivals!

While growing up in Bangkok, I participated in this festival every year by crafting kratongs in art class and releasing them into a nearby pond with family and friends. Since moving to the US, I haven’t been able to partake in these traditions…until today! After an 8-year gap, my annual trip to Thailand has coincided with this festival and has given me the chance to celebrate it once again! While a lot has changed in the last 8 years, one thing that remains the same is my excitement over festivals and traditions. I always turn into a kid when I get a chance to relive my childhood memories like this! Here’s to hoping that all our readers are blessed with good luck for the year ahead!