Northern Thailand’s lantern pageant, Yi Peng, is maybe probably the most magical competition on the planet. Not only is that this competition enchanting, but it’s loaded with non secular and cultural significance. Thus, it’s a good way for vacationers to be taught more about Thailand’s wealthy tradition and traditions.
If you’ve been dreaming about witnessing this mesmerising event with your individual eyes, here is every little thing you should know in regards to the pageant.
Yi Peng (sometimes written as Yee Peng) is a traditional Lanna competition that takes place in Northern Thailand. During the pageant, individuals launch paper lanterns referred to as khom loi into the sky. Hence, it’s generally known as the Lantern Festival or the Festival of Light. The act of releasing the lantern symbolises letting go of bad luck and misfortunes from the past 12 months and wishing for good fortunes within the coming year. Buddhists believe that when you make a want while releasing the lantern, it will come true.
The lanterns are released at approximately the identical time in the evening. The view of 1000’s of lanterns ascending into the night time sky, with varied ranges of brightness and speeds, is really mesmerising. Because of this, the Yi Peng festival is often thought of the most magical festival in Thailand.
Although the highlight of the Yi Peng festival is the lanterns, there are other actions that happen as part of the celebration. You can watch the official Yi Peng Parade, traditional Thai dance exhibits, reside music, handicraft periods, fireworks, and firecrackers. Additionally, you might also discover quite a few food vendors at the festival. Northern Thailand actually comes to life throughout Yi Peng. The towns are decorated with vibrant hanging lanterns, and the entrances of temples are filled with flowers. In addition, many individuals beautify their houses with lit candles as a approach to make benefit.
Yi Peng is properly known on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, which often falls in November. In 2021, the pageant will happen on Friday, November 19. It coincides with Loy Krathong Festival, and the 2 festivals are often fused collectively. The main event of both festivals happens after dark.
Although most cities and cities throughout Northern Thailand have fun Yi Peng, Chiang Mai is the most effective place to expertise this lovely festival. The whole city is crammed with festive celebrations, from colourful lanterns and candles lining the streets to parades and music.
If you want to join in a mass lantern launch and get a spectacular photo-op, Mae Jo University is the best place to go. The mass launch often happens at 6.30pm, however you should arrive nicely prematurely if you need to get a fantastic spot. Besides the lantern launch, you can typically take pleasure in cultural performances as nicely.
For those who wish to truly immerse themselves in the festival and luxuriate in it like the locals, the most effective places to go are the Three Kings Monument, Nawarat Bridge on the Ping River, and Thapae Gate. The majority of the spiritual activities usually happen within the Three Kings Monument. These embody a candle-lighting ceremony and a Buddhist worship ritual. For competition parades, meals distributors, and fireworks, Thapae Gate is one of the best place to be.
Since Yi Peng is usually combined with Loy Krathong in Northern Thailand, Nawarat Bridge on the Ping River is a superb place to go if you need to watch a magical sight of tons of of lanterns floating in the sky and lotus-shaped baskets on the water.
If you don’t wish to take part in the competition and would rather watch the lanterns drifting into the evening sky from afar, head to certainly one of Chiang Mai’s rooftop bars.
Launching your very own lantern into the night sky is possibly the most exciting part of Yi Peng.
You can discover many vendors promoting lanterns on the road on the day of the pageant, so that you don’t really want to purchase lanterns upfront. It’s greatest to buy bigger lanterns as a result of they’re much simpler to launch. Unsung around 50 to a hundred baht. Also, remember to select a lantern that is created from environmentally pleasant supplies, corresponding to rice paper and bamboo. Be cautious when holding the lantern. Since the paper is very thin, it could tear simply.
Lighting and launching a lantern by your self is kind of tricky, so it’s finest that you have a lantern release associate. If you’re travelling alone, it’s an effective way to make new friends! Once you discover a associate, one particular person ought to hold the paper and the other light the round block on the base of the lantern. After you light it, be sure to maintain it tightly as scorching air will start to fill the lantern, and it’ll begin to pull upwards. When your lantern starts to raise and pulls your arms, you’ll find a way to gently launch it into the night sky. Make sure to let the lantern float naturally with out pushing it. Don’t forget to make a wish or hope for the lengthy run earlier than you launch it!
Yi Peng and Loy Krathong are often confused with each other as they’re very related and celebrated on the same day. However, the two festivals are actually different. Loy Krathong is nicely known throughout Thailand. It includes floating baskets made from leaves, flowers, candles, and incense that are launched right into a body of water. One of the purposes of this competition is to pay respect to the water goddess and the Buddha.
Yi Peng, on the opposite hand, is a festival unique to Northern Thailand. Because Yi Peng and Loy Krathong occur on the identical day, the two festivals are often celebrated together in Northern Thailand.
Since the lanterns can interfere with aeroplane’s flight paths, they will only be launched between 7pm and 1am on pageant days. You also shouldn’t release the lanterns anyplace you want, only in permitted lantern zones. Violating the foundations can lead to a fantastic and imprisonment.
Yi Peng is probably the busiest time of 12 months in Chiang Mai. People from all all over the world flock into the city to experience the magical pageant. Due to this purpose, hotel rooms are often briefly supply. Therefore, if you want to visit Chiang Mai for Yi Peng, it’s finest to e-book your accommodation early!
The lanterns launched throughout Yi Peng are manufactured from rice paper with a wood or bamboo frame and wire to carry the flammable coil or candle. Remember, what goes up must come down. So after festivities end, many of the lanterns find yourself in bushes, the rivers, and on the ground, which may harm each the surroundings and surrounding communities. That’s why there are extra governmental restrictions regarding the release of lanterns. If you’re not Buddhist, it could be best to watch the beautiful ceremony without taking part in it.
Bear in thoughts that Yi Peng is a non secular pageant. Therefore, be conscious not to obstruct folks from launching their lanterns and costume appropriately if you plan to visit a temple. Whether you’re observing or taking part in the festival, it’s essential to at all times be respectful..