Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival 2024: Sky Lanterns and Lanna Candlelight
Yi Peng Festival Chiang Mai An important festival of the Lanna people held on the full moon day of the twelfth lunar month every year, which falls in November. The main highlight is sky lanterns Light the candle and The grand Krathong procession To make the night sky shine with beautiful colored lights.
Yi Peng tradition is currently organized together withLoy Krathong tradition Although Loy Krathong and Yi Peng have different origins and meanings, both traditions are closely linked and have become an integral part of Thai culture, passed down through generations. The celebrations of Loy Krathong and Yi Peng today are expressions of respect for nature and sacred elements, as well as efforts to promote tourism and preserve Thai cultural heritage.
When is the Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai 2024 held?
ยี่เป็งเชียงใหม่ ปีนี้ มีกำหนดการจัดงานยี่เป็ง ประจำปี 2567 วันที่ 14-17 พฤษจิกายน ซึ่งจะจัดโดยเทศบาลนครเชียงใหม่ ร่วมมือกับภาคเอกชนในจังหวัดเชียงใหม่ โดยใช้ชื่อ ภาษาอังกฤษว่า “Yee Peng Chiang Mai Festival 2024” โดยสามารถติดตามข้อมูลได้ทางเพจ ททท.สำนักงานเชียงใหม่ – TAT Chiang Mai and FB page ยี่เป็งเชียงใหม่ YeePeng Festival
Location of the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival 2024
Mueang Chiang Mai District
November 14-17, 2024
– ข่วงประตูท่าแพ
– สำหนักงานเทศบาล และ เจีดีย์ขาว
– ท่าน้ำวัดศรีโขง
– สำหนักงานเทศบาลนครเชียงใหม่
San Kamphaeng District
Yi Peng Lanna Lantern Festival 2024
November 15, 2024
Venue: Chiang Mai Air Sport Farm, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XWEUhkVYqLahEFcFA
San Sai District
Yi Peng Lanna International 2024
November 15-16, 2024
Location: Lanna Thudongkasathan, San Sai District, Chiang Mai
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/m16WVWaQaW9kUpmbA
Doisaket District
Lanna Lantern Festival, Pu Cha Phang Pradeep, Nong Bua Phra Chao Luang
November 15, 2024
Venue: Nong Bua Phra Chao Luang, Doi Saket, Chiang Mai
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/T4dRWCMLyNpFkcfVA
Hang Dong District
Loy Krathong Festival 2024 by Lanna Resort
November 15-16, 2024
Venue: Lanna Resort
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dsb7gvaH3xJs5NGp6
Schedule of the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival 2024
| Date | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 14 Nov. | Ceremony to worship the spirit house and white pagoda | Municipal Office and White Pagoda |
| 14 Nov. | Ping River Apology Ceremony | Sri Khong Temple Pier |
| 14 Nov. | Opening ceremony of the Yi Peng Festival, 2024 | Thapae Gate area |
| 14 Nov. | Lanna Hanging Lantern Contest (Large Hanging Lantern) | Thapae Gate area |
| 14 Nov. | Chiang Mai Yi Peng Children's Contest | Thapae Gate area |
| 14-15 Nov. | Chiang Mai Yi Peng Goddess and God Contest | Thapae Gate area |
| 14-16 Nov. | Lanna woven flag release activity | Sri Khong Temple Pier |
| 14-16 Nov. | Light, sound and mixed media performances of Lanna cultural arts | Thapae Gate area |
| 14-16 Nov. | Fireworks display in honor of His Majesty | Sri Khong Temple Pier |
| 15 Nov. | The tradition of setting up the royal sermon (Mahachat sermon) | Wat Sri Don Chai |
| 15 Nov. | Lanna Sapao Procession Contest | ข่วงประตูท่าแพ – สำนักงานเทศบาล |
| 15 Nov. | Thai country song singing contest with backing dancers | Chiang Mai Municipality Office |
| 16 Nov. | การประกวดกระทงฝีมือใบตอง – ดอกไม้สด | Chiang Mai Municipality Office |
| 16 Nov. | The Big Krathong Contest for the Royal Trophy | Chiang Mai Municipality Office |
| 17 Nov. | Activities to preserve and maintain local wisdom | Thapae Gate area |
Highlights of Yi Peng Chiang Mai
Releasing floating lanterns at Lanna Thudongsathan
The release of floating lanterns during the Yi Peng festival Lanna Pilgrimage Center Chiang Mai is famous for its spectacular lantern release, where thousands of lanterns are released into the night sky. The beautiful sight of colorful lanterns floating amidst the darkness resembles a painting created by nature and human hands. The act of releasing lanterns is rooted in the belief of sending away bad luck, allowing it to float away with the lanterns.
Chiang Mai Big Krathong Parade Contest
Each float in the procession is beautifully and magnificently designed, adorned with fresh flowers, lanterns, and various natural materials. This competition not only preserves the rich cultural traditions of the Lanna people but also promotes the arts and creativity of the participants. It is an event that attracts both Thai and international tourists to Chiang Mai during this significant festival.
Candlelight lighting around Chiang Mai
The lighting of phang pratip (or tām phang pratip in Northern Thai), where tām means “to light,” is a tradition observed during the Yi Peng festival. Each household lights phang pratip as a form of worship based on religious beliefs. These lamps are lit at important religious sites and key locations in the village or city. In Chiang Mai, people commonly light phang pratip along the city moat, at Tha Pae Gate, and at various temples.
Lanna lanterns decorate the city.
The Lanna lantern is one of the key symbols of Lanna culture, especially during the Yi Peng festival. Releasing lanterns into the sky is an expression of respect for the sacred and a way to make wishes for happiness and prosperity in life.
Fireworks or fireworks contest
Fireworks are an activity that young people in the community often do during the Yi Peng festival. There is a competition for beauty. The original purpose of firework is to worship Buddhism. The original firework was made from bamboo with holes drilled in it and filled with gunpowder mixed with charcoal and ironwood to create fireballs when lit.
Loy Krathong, Yi Peng
Loy Krathong is believed to be a way to ask forgiveness from the river that has been used or offended. It is a way to ask for blessings for couples and families.
History of Yi Peng tradition, a Lanna heritage
Yi Peng is an ancient tradition of the Lanna people that has been passed down for generations. The celebration takes place on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, which typically falls in November. The term “Yi Peng” comes from the local Lanna language, where “Yi” refers to the second month (November, as referred to by the Lanna people) and “Peng” means the full moon night. Therefore, Yi Peng refers to the tradition held on the full moon night of the second month for the Lanna people.
The Yi Peng tradition has various origins rooted in legends and beliefs, such as the story of “Loy Khom,” where the people of Hariphunchai floated offerings in pots on the river to honor their homeland. There are also beliefs related to seeking forgiveness from the sacred, venerating the Buddha, and performing rites to dispel bad luck. Key activities during Yi Peng include floating krathongs, releasing lanterns, lighting phang pratip, the krathong procession, and various cultural performances.
The Yi Peng tradition holds great significance for the Lanna people. It is not only a means of preserving beautiful cultural customs, but also a way to foster community unity, promote tourism, and generate income for local areas. Participating in and preserving the Yi Peng festival is something the Lanna people take great pride in, and they are committed to passing it down to future generations.
Yi Peng Festival Ceremony
ในแต่ละปีวันที่จะไม่สอดคล้องกันจะยึดตามปฏิทินวันขึ้น 13,14,15 เดือน ส่วนใหญ่โดยแต่ละวันมีพิธีดังนี้
- The 13th day of the waxing moon: It is a preparation day. In the northern dialect, it is called “Wan Da”. Villagers will work together to make krathongs, lanterns, and prepare things to bring to make merit at the temple.
- 14th day of the waxing moon: It is an important religious day. Villagers go to the temple to make merit, give alms, listen to sermons, and participate in various religious activities.
- The 15th day of the waxing moon: It is the day of Loi Krathong and lantern release, with parades, cultural performances, and many activities in each area.
What is the difference between Yi Peng and Loi Krathong traditions?
Yi Peng and Loy Krathong traditions, although they are similar in terms of Loi Krathong, are different in many ways. Yi Peng Festival Yi Peng is an ancient tradition of the Lanna people, passed down through generations with deep cultural and religious significance. Held on the full moon night of the twelfth month of the lunar calendar, which coincides with November in the Gregorian calendar, the festival includes various activities. These activities are not limited to the floating of krathongs, but also feature the release of sky lanterns, the lighting of lanterns (Phang Pratheep), and various cultural performances. These traditions reflect the way of life, beliefs, and rich heritage of the Lanna people.
As for Loy Krathong Day Loy Krathong is a widespread tradition across Thailand with various legends and beliefs surrounding its origins. The festival generally focuses on offering apologies to the goddess of the river, Phra Mae Khongkha, and paying homage to Lord Buddha. The central activity involves making krathongs and floating them on rivers, symbolizing the release of bad luck and negative energy. However, the way Loy Krathong is celebrated can vary from region to region, reflecting the unique cultural practices and traditions of each local community.
