A raft has been developed to be made of bread or sometimes made of styrofoam). The reason for using breads is to protect the environment. Since having many rafts in the river can create a huge water pollution problem. Bread will eventually become food for fishes and other animals in the river. Even though banana leaves are biodegradable, it takes longer to be degraded than a bread. Therefore, bread is the most environmental friendly choice to make a raft whereas foam is not recommended at all. A raft is decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense sticks etc.
During the night of the full moon, many people will float a small raft on a river. Thai people believe that floating a raft on the river is to honor and pay respect to the Goddess of Water. Also floating a raft in the river is to apologize to the Goddess of the Water for the bad things we have done to the river during the past year. That is why Long Krathong festival is held at the end of the year. Governmental offices, corporations and other organizations will create big decorated rafts. There are also a contest for rafts from the local level to the official level. In addition, there are also fireworks and a beauty contests during the celebration of the festival.
