THE Parramatta River will sparkle with good luck lanterns and Thai culture during the Loy Krathong Water Festival on November 22.
From sunset, the krathong ritual will see miniature lotus-shaped boats — called krathongs — launched into the water with lights or candles inside, as hundreds of participants make their wishes for the year ahead.
From 5pm to 10pm, the annual event will feature entertainment from Thai performer Maythinee, the Thai Classical Music Institute, a roving water dragon, traditional food and dance, and fireworks.
Piyapacha Lowpetsawat from the Tourism Authority of Thailand said the festival's origins stretched back more than 700 years to the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai, and a lady in the royal court named Naang Noparmart.
"She loved to make little lotus-shaped krathong with banana leaves and float them on the water with a candle, incense, and other decorations as a homage to the Buddha," Mr Lowpetsawat said.
"When the king came to judge the best lanterns, he awarded Naang Noparmart the first prize.
"He further decreed that once a year, on the night of the full moon, a Buddhist holiday should be celebrated by floating lotus-shaped banana leaf boats."
It is believed that the boats can carry away bad luck and bring good fortune for the coming year.
Mr Lowpetsawat said the candle "venerates the Buddha with light" while the krathong's floating symbolises letting go of hatred and anger.
"People sometimes cut their fingernails or hair and place the clippings on the krathong as a symbol of letting go of past transgressions and negative thoughts."
Lord mayor Scott Lloyd said the Parramatta River was the perfect location to host Loy Krathong, which draws crowds from all over Sydney.
Sydney's first Loy Krathong festival was held in 1983 at Taronga Zoo and in 1990 moved to Parramatta.
In August 1995, the Thai city of Phetchaburi became one of Parramatta's sister cities.
