Celebrating Loy Krathong at Klong Prao temple
On the west of Koh Chang the main, annual, Loy Krathong festivities are held at Klong Prao temple.
Loy Krathong is the Thai festival of love and gratitude. It’s timed to coincide with the full moon in November. Traditionally, floating a ‘krathong’ , a lotus shaped, banana leaf raft decorated with candles, incense and flowers, is to thank the water spirits for plentiful harvest etc. But there’s also another angle to it which is related to relationships and in this life and the next. If a couple release their krathongs together, then in the next life they will fall in lover again. Sounds great but doesn’t take into account the possibility of divorce. Bear that in mind if you want your next life to be free from drama.
And for the singles, it’s not all bad news, there is a belief that if you put small pieces of your hair and fingernails in your Krathong, your troubles will float away into the river and you will be left with happiness and good luck.
There’s also lots of fireworks, food and beer at Loy Krathong – which may also account for it’s enduring popularity.
Here are a few photos from the celebrations at Klong Prao temple last night.
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