Chiang Mai celebrates the engaging festival of Yi Peng also known as Yee Peng or the Lantern Festival. This is one of the most sensual festivals in Northern Thailand.
Thailand is a Kindgom in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia to the south. The east side is shared with Cambodia and Laos. Additionally, Myanmar (formerly Burma) takes the northern-western part of the border.
The country is very famous for tourism worldwide. This is due to several factors pertaining to the beauty of its nature and culture. Thailand is home to numerous wildlife sanctuaries, stunning beaches, majestic mountains, glorious temples and abundant natural parks.
Additionally, Thailand has dozens of festivals. This makes people from around the world flock to the country annually, to witness some of the finest events and festivities around the world.
When is Yi Peng, Lantern Festival Celebrated and Why?
The festival celebration date differs every year. Generally, it falls on the second full moon of Lanna calendar. This usually coincides with the end of the rainy season in early-to-mid November. However, the Thai authorities make sure to promote the program and activities in early October.
Yi or Yee means “Two”, while Peng means “Full Moon Day”. The latter is the night of the festival. This celebration is all about new energies and brighter future. Moreover, the prominent act is to let go of the bad vibes and illnesses of the previous year. However and most importantly, high respect is devoted to Buddha throughout the festival.
How is Yi Peng, Lantern Festival Celebrated
On the night of the Yi Peng Festival, the sky will be spectacularly lit. In reality, people make a wish and release their own lanterns or “Khom Loy” into the sky. This is the core of the festival, where each soul will let go of the bad events and welcomes the good ones.
Locals create lanterns and hang them outside their homes. Then, they go to the temple to follow the Buddhist traditions. These include offering lanterns to the monks. Moreover, listening to prayers and mediating are fundamental parts of the event.
Usually the official festival takes place for 3 nights in a row. However, due to popularity and tourism, lately the festival is lasting much longer.
Traditionally it is celebrated as follows:
The opening ceremony is generally the night preceding the full moon. While during the other two nights, many lanterns will light up the sky. It is on the third night where a parade takes place and people participate with lots of joy and positivity.
Yi Peng is a sensational experience and a life changing event. It is full of energy and positivity. Additionally, people participating in the event will continue to join for years to come.
The sky will be full with lights resembling glowing jellyfish in the sea. Imagine taking part in such a journey and unlocking many unworldly secrets about yourself and the world you live in.
