The Loy Krathong Festival is one of the most beautiful and romantic festivals in Thailand. It is celebrated all over the country, but it has a special significance in Phuket, where it is a major cultural event that draws locals and visitors alike.
During the festival, people flock to the waterways of Phuket, including the sea, rivers, canals, and lakes, to float their krathongs. This act of floating the krathongs symbolizes the release of one’s troubles and worries, and it is believed to bring good luck and fortune in the coming year. The tradition of making and floating krathongs is also a way to show respect to the goddess of water, Phra Mae Khongkha.
In Phuket, the festival typically lasts for three days and includes a variety of cultural activities, such as traditional Thai dance performances, music concerts, and beauty contests. There are also food stalls that sell local delicacies and sweets, such as kanom krok (coconut rice pudding), khanom buang (Thai crispy pancakes), and mango sticky rice.
One of the highlights of the festival is the illuminated boat parade, which takes place on the second day of the festival. Locals decorate their boats with colorful lights and lanterns and sail them down the river, creating a beautiful and magical scene.
The Loy Krathong Festival is an important cultural event in Thailand that has been celebrated for centuries. It is a time to pay respect to the goddess of water, to honor the country’s cultural heritage, and to come together as a community to celebrate the beauty and magic of Thai culture.