One story suggests that the Loy Krathong Festival began during Thailand’s Sukhothai Dynasty more than 800 years ago. At that time, every year on the 15th day of the Thai lunar calendar, when the moon was full, residents gathered in the capital to celebrate the “Festival of Lights.” Various styles of water lamps are used in the celebration. Generally, a lotus-shaped boat is set adrift on the water, with a coin and candle placed on it as offerings to express respect for the water god, ward off evil spirits, eliminate disasters, cure diseases, and pray for blessings.