Yee Peng – Thailand’s Most Spectacular Loi Krathong Celebration

Loi Krathong is celebrated all over Thailand every November when the moon is full. And that’s today. For understanding more about this lovers’ festival check out our post from last year: Loy Krathong

Yee Peng Festival in Chiang Mai

Loi Krathong Festival
photo by Chip Olson

This year we will take a closer look at how they celebrate Loi Krathong in Chiang Mai. Although celebrated all over Thailand, Loi Krathong is most spectacular here, where locals and tourists alike come out to see the enchanting lanterns of light.

Probably the most celebrated part of Loi Krathong in Chiang Mai is the making of the Krathongs, in different shapes and forms. Their  parade throughout the city accompanied by releasing of Krathongs by the Ping River as well as other waterways is really a true spectacle.

Additionally, there are shows  of traditional Lanna songs and dance routines by ornately dressed women as well as raft races, fireworks along with other entertainment.

The Yee Peng opening ceremony takes place at Ta Pae Gate early on the first night, followed by the lantern parade and Krathong competition in the Night Bazaar.

Official departments, private companies and others build much larger and even more sophisticated Krathongs in Loi Krathong competitions, combined with impressive firework shows, musical performances and other celebrations.

Yee Peng Festival in Chiangmai
photo by Tapanan Yeophantong

Yee Peng is the Festival of Light. The highlight of Yee Peng is definitely the launch of the floating lanterns. People launch these lanterns throughout the city, particularly by the river and bridge.

However the main release is the one led by a number of monks – and this is the famous  10,000 lantern release.

A huge selection of residents as well as visitors gather around the banks of the Ping River, just about everyone having a decorated lantern  that has a message or maybe a wish with a candle set within. At the same time all of them  let go of the lanterns along with their concerns, desires and wishes, no matter what these might be.

During Yee Peng people will decorate  their houses and temples with sugar cane, small banana trees and bouquets of flowers. And make a different Yee Peng lanterns.  They launch them into the sky to worship Prakedkaewchulamanee of the heaven.

The spectacle is really something to be a part of, combined with the cheers of men and women along with loud music. This really is a thing you must see to completely grasp the beauty and ambiance many people have come to associate with the Chiang Mai Loi Krathong Lantern Festival.

Take a look and enjoy this video and feel the special atmosphere:

httpv://youtu.be/JmuxrRxMENU

Are you thrilled?