ロイクラトン・灯篭流し祭り/ Loy-krathong; Floating lanterns festival

陰暦の１２月の満月の夜に、その年の収穫への感謝と罪や汚れを流し落とすためにクラトン（バナナの葉などで作った小さな筏に花や線香やろうそくを乗せたもの）を川や池に流すロイクラトンの祭りが昨日（１１月２８日）行われた。自分で作ったり、屋台で購入（５０バーツから２００バーツくらい）したクラトンに火をつけ、チャオプラヤ川や公園内の池に浮かべて、祈りを込めて静かに流す。恋人たちは、自分たちの恋が末永く続くことを祈って真剣な眼差しで自分たちの流したクラトンを見つめている。

I enjoyed Loy-krathong (floating lanterns) festival yesterday, it is held on 12th full moon day on lunar calendar. In the festival, people float Krathong on rivers, ponds or pool representing their thanks for good harvest to spirit of water also hoping to wash away their sin and uncleanness.
It is decorated with flowers, incense sticks and candles on small rafts of banana leaves and other materials. People prepare it by making themselves or by purchasing from street venders (cost around 50 to 200 THB) and fire on candles and let them to float calmly with their wishes. Lovers watch their Krathong with earnest eyes with wish for their never ending love.