Loi Kratong

What is Loi Kratong? It's a festival in Thailand that is held on the full moon during late November. This year, it will be held on Nov.21st. (Today!) ^_^

This festival takes place in the evening, between 19:00 -- 0:00. Thais give an offering of incense, flowers, banana leaves and candles to the river. They do this in hopes of receiving good luck for the next year, finding a mate, giving thanks to the river for providing "life" (water), or to get rid of bad luck.

I joined my teachers and classmates last Friday, at the Thai language school, to learn Loi Kratong songs, Thai dancing and make my very own "offering". (all for free!)

After listening to a presentation about the history, meaning and how to enjoy "Loi Kratong", it was time to make our own offerings.

The tools needed: banana tree trunk pieces, banana leaves, marigolds and lots of pins!


Incense sticks and a candle -- these go in the middle.


Step 1: Place a banana leaf on top of a piece of the banana tree trunk, cut and pin in place.



Step 2: Fold the banana leaves in a "lotus" fashion. Attach to the banana trunk piece.


Step 3: Add the marigold flower tops...


The final step: Add the incense and candle. Voila! A "kratong".


I want to say a special thank you to the great teachers at the Thai language school where I study. We could have a long, but fun lesson about a traditional festival in Thailand, all in Thai. While many Thai language schools offer very intensive, 3+ hour lessons, this school is more relaxed and laid back. If you're in Bangkok and want to study twice a week only, try this school:
Paradigm Thai Language school

Happy Loi Kratong!