07/11/2025
Happy Loy Kratong dear friends ~
Loy Kratong festival is a traditional Thai festival falling on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, where festival goers will decorate a floating lamp often made of banana leaves to be released into a river or pond, often a symbol of letting go of the old and in with the new.
The origins of this festival is Buddhist, when Prince Siddhartha renounced his throne to become an ascetic, his first gesture was to cut off his top knot, letting go of his princehood and stepping into his life as a new ascetic. Having cut his knot, he released it in the Anoma river, throwing it into the air. At that time, King Sakka came to retrieve the top knot and enshrined it within a pagoda in Tavatimsa realm. Thus began Prince Siddhartha's journey of the pursuit of enlightenment and becoming a fully realized Buddha.
Loy Kratong day then is an homage to Prince Siddharta's renunciation as we come together to float lanterns of light into the river. The Kratong, or floating lantern I'm holding is made out of bread that will feed the fishes and prevent pollution, staying green and returning into the ecosystem.
We too then, emulating the Lord Buddha, let go of vices, and commit to wholesome actions, namely observing precepts, practicing generosity, and persevering in meditation on this Loy Kratong Day. May this journey be paved with happiness, good friends, wealth, and prosperity.
