The lighting of the sky lanterns inspired people to seek forgiveness, let go of negativity, and hope for a fresh start. – Photo by T. Selva
Participating in sacred events offers a chance to ease our past karmas, and one of the most meaningful is the Loy Krathong festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
I am grateful to have participated in the spiritually enriching event on 15 and 16 November, which beautifully blended with cultural traditions, Buddhist and Hindu religious symbolism, and a deep connection with nature.
I arrived at the Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai just before sunset on Friday, joining a massive crowd of locals and travellers.
The festival coincides with the full moon of the 11th lunar month, which is considered auspicious in Thai culture.
The full moon symbolises enlightenment, and the light from candles on the krathong (lotus-shaped floating lantern) represents the inner light of wisdom guiding individuals through the darkness.
The sweet scent of incense filled the air, and the glowing decorative lights added to a holy atmosphere.
With the help of a local vendor, I crafted a biodegradable krathong – a circular raft adorned with flowers, wrapped in banana leaves, and topped with three joss sticks.
The vendor suggested I include a small piece of hair or nails inside the krathong as a symbolic gesture to release worries and misfortunes. I chose a strand of hair, representing letting go and inviting good fortune.
It felt delicate in my hands, and I realised it was more than just a floating object; it carried my past karma. According to spiritual seekers, it was an offering of appreciation and a prayer to the Goddess of Water.
As the sky darkened, I made my way to the banks of the Ping River and joined hundreds of people gathered there, gently setting my krathong afloat on the water’s surface with the others.
I followed suit, lighting the candle and incense on mine and the sea of lights was magical.
I was told to close my eyes, make a wish, and think of something I wanted to let go of – a regret, a sorrow, a mistake, a past.
The krathong drifted away, its tiny flame flickering against the darkness, carrying with it my whispered hopes.
The river sparkled with thousands of krathongs, their lights merging with the full moon’s reflection.
It was a sight I’ll never forget – a serene, shared moment of reflection with people from different walks of life, all united by the desire for forgiveness and a fresh start.
As I moved away from the river and glanced up, the sky was illuminated by countless sky lanterns (known as khom loy).
Made from rice paper, each one held a small flame, the heat lifting it higher, creating a seemingly endless sea of glowing orbs.
It was a breathtaking spectacle, as if the stars had descended from the heavens. Families, couples, and friends gathered, releasing their lanterns into the night sky.
I bought a lantern from a nearby stall, and locals helped me light it. I was again asked to make a wish before releasing it.
If you release your lantern properly, your wish will come true as long as you continue to do good deeds in the year ahead.
As the lantern left my hands, I watched it ascend, rising higher and higher to join the thousands already floating above.
It felt as if I were releasing my dreams into the universe, and in that moment, a sense of lightness washed over me, as though a heavy burden had been lifted from my shoulders.
Temples opened their doors, welcoming visitors with food and flower offerings, and the entire city buzzed with the joy and reverence of the festival.
Strangers exchanged warm smiles and developed friendships by participating in rituals and enjoying the shared beauty of the illuminated night.
The air was filled with laughter, music, songs, dances, beauty contests, fireworks and street parades.
For me, the festival’s impact goes beyond personal benefits, cultivating a sense of interconnectedness and shared responsibility for a peaceful world.
I returned content, thankful to have been part of a profound celebration that offered a chance for spiritual cleansing, fostered harmony, united people, inspired hope, and set intentions for a brighter future.
Award-winning writer Dr T. Selva is the author of the bestsellers Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Happy Living. To get a copy, WhatsApp 019-2728464. He can be reached at drtselvas@gmail.com. Facebook: Vasthu Sastra