In Tak province, the banana-leaf floats are replaced by coconut shells which are threaded together and launched simultaneously so they appear as long chains of hundreds of glittering lights on the Ping River, hence the origin of its name, "Loi Krathong Sai".

As the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually in mid-November) lights up the night sky, throughout the Thai kingdom, hundreds of thousands of ornately-decorated krathong or traditional banana leaf floats are set adrift in rivers and waterways in a spell-binding ritual called "Loi Krathong" - the 'festival of lights". This is one of the Kingdom's oldest and best-preserved traditions.

Krathong floats in the shape of lotus blossoms are most popular and are made from materials easily found in each locality. Loi Krathong customs and traditions reflect local beliefs and cultural evolution and interesting regional variations can be seen.

In Tak province, the banana-leaf floats are replaced by coconut shells which are threaded together and launched simultaneously so they appear as long chains of hundreds of glittering lights on the Ping River, hence the origin of its name, "Loi Krathong Sai".

There are various accounts about the origins of Loi Krathong. However given the river-based culture that forms the foundation of the traditional Thai way of life, it is widely believed that these are offerings made to Mae Khongkha - Mother of Waters in an act of appeasement. Many also believe that by setting adrift the krathong, one symbollically casts away one's grief, misery and ill-fortunes.

	Procession of the Royal Krathong A procession of the auspicious royally bestowed flame for lighting the Loi Krathong Sai floats is followed by a procession of the Loi Krathong Sai floats
	Loi Krathong Sai Contest Entries are divided into the following categories: Loi Krathong Sai Procession Leading krathong (float) Closing krathong (float)
	Rituals are performed to seek forgiveness from Mae Khongkha — Mother of Waters
	The krathong sai raft is set adrift.
	The Legend of the Loi Krathong Sai light-and-sound performance
	Stage performances provide lively entertainment. The sales of local village products and handicrafts promoted under the OTOP — One Tambon One Product — promotional campaign provides visitors with an opportunity to shop for best buys from the province.

Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tak Office
Tel: +66 (0) 5551 4341-3
Fax: +66 (0) 5551 4344
E-mail: tattak@tat.or.th
Web site : www.tat.or.th/north04