Loy Krathang

Ceremonies have already begun here in Thailand for one of the biggest festivals of the year. Loy Krathang is a festival with several purposes and it is celebrated in different ways in various parts of the country. The 2 most important reasons for Loy Krathang are: to thank the river goddess or spirit for the uses of the rivers; and to get rid of bad luck or bad karma (deeds, acts and thoughts).
The most common way it is celebrated is to build a float our of banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense and other items. The float or krathang is then lit and sent down the river, hopefully carrying away the bad things in a person's life, so they can earn merit (good karma) and prosperity. That's what the 2 ladies above are doing.
In some places, coconuts are used to make the floats. Another common site in Northern Thailand is balloon/lanterns (see following photos). They are made out of paper and look like a lampshade with an enclosed top. In the middle of the opening at the bottom is a wad of tightly woven cotton or some other flammable object; they dip that in oil and light it. The hot air from the fire fills the lantern and it floats into the night sky. During the next several days, thousands of these flying luminaries will dot the night sky.
Please pray for Buddhist especially over the next few days that they will find the true way to find forgiveness for their sins.