BOUN LOY KRATHONG (translated as Loy = ”floating/swimming” & Krathong = “basket/bag”), is celebrated on the day of the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, or around October in the Western calendar. The occasion marks the end of the three-month-long rains retreat often referred to as Buddhist Lent.

The celebration begins at dawn when laypeople attend almsgiving ceremonies at temples across the country. The night is aglow when colorful floats made of banana leaves, flowers, incense sticks, and candles are launched in thanksgiving to the river spirit. The tradition is known as Lhai Heua Fai (“Floating Boat Fire” : Ironically Rhode Island is known for Water Fire event!).

The floating of Krathong or banana-trunk floats symbolizes letting go of episodes that debase life and the dignity of the human person. At night they head for the river, where they launch the Krathong adorned with flowers, incense, and candles. Some ask forgiveness from the river spirit for any wrongdoing they may have committed. Others trim their hair and fingernails, put them on the Krathong along with some money, and set it adrift as a way of making all the bad things go away.