This coming end of October, troop now to the northern provinces of Thailand, where the locals will be celebrating the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, a traditional practice originating among the Chiang Mai locals. This is Northern Thailand's version of the Loy Kratong Festival, which is also usually held in November all throughout Thailand. It is widely considered to be among Thailand's most romantic festival celebrations.
What is unique and probably most famous about this festival is the ritual of launching Lanna-style lantern balloons to the skies one night. According to folklore, when the hot air balloons are allowed to drift away, so do the troubles of that person who set them free. Today, contests are organized to judge the best lantern balloons among those present. This contrasts from the Loy Kratong because the lanterns of the Loy Kratong are left to sail on rafts instead of getting released to the skies.
Yi Peng is celebrated during the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, which usually lands some time in November. This year, it will be celebrated from October 27 to November 2. Days of merry-making and contests will be held first, after which will be the release of the lantern balloons. The last day of the celebrations is the most important one, when pieces of the traditional krathong (banana leaf boat) are left to sail along the main river and other waterways in Chiang Mai.
Here's a brief video of the lantern balloon release. Thousands and thousands of lanterns are floating towards the heavens above. I don't know about you, but I find it all dreamy and ethereal. It really looks like as if all the troubles in the world are released together with the balloons! If you are going to Thailand around this period, this is one festival that you shouldn't miss. You might as well have your own lantern lit and flown. Do share the experience with us!
