In Thailand, a blend of tradition and technology marked this year’s Loy Krathong festival, as children engaged in an environmentally friendly celebration. This ancient festival, deeply rooted in Thai culture, traditionally involves the crafting and floating of ‘krathongs’ – small baskets made from natural materials, adorned with candles, flowers, and incense – down rivers and canals. These offerings, meant to honor water spirits, express gratitude and make wishes, have been a beautiful spectacle illuminating Thailand’s waterways for centuries.
However, this year brought a significant twist to the festivities. In a conscious effort to mitigate the environmental impact of the festival, children created around 3,000 ‘krathongs’ not from plant materials but through art and technology. They drew their krathong designs, which were then scanned and digitally projected onto a vibrant simulation of the water’s surface. This innovative approach allowed participants to uphold the festival’s spirit and traditions while significantly reducing waste and environmental degradation.
Eleven-year-old Jirayada Surapant expressed her enthusiasm for this new method, noting the positive impact on the environment, particularly in reducing tree cutting and waste in water bodies. Despite these digital innovations, the physical aspect of the festival remained, with many traditional krathongs still set afloat in Bangkok’s waterways. The next morning, monks took to the canals in rowboats to collect these soggy remnants, transforming them into animal feed and ensuring minimal environmental harm.
Venerable monk Mathee Vatchara Prachatorn emphasized the importance of collective efforts in waste reduction, highlighting the environmental risks posed by the discarded krathongs. His involvement underscores the broader community’s role in sustaining both cultural practices and ecological well-being.
This year’s Loy Krathong festival in Thailand marks a significant step towards balancing cultural heritage with environmental consciousness. The innovative use of digital technology to replicate a traditional practice showcases a promising path for future celebrations, one that honors age-old customs while embracing sustainable practices for a greener world.
READ MORE: