Yi Peng and Loy Krathong

Thailand’s lantern festival Yi Peng is perhaps the most magical festival in the world. Many people launch lanterns called ‘Khom Fai (โคมไฟ) into the sky, which symbolizes letting go of misfortunes from the past and wishing for good in the future. Yi Peng is celebrated on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, which falls in November. The best places to go and participate are Three Kings Monument, Nawarat Bridge, and Thapae Gate.

Launching your lantern into the night sky is possibly the most exciting part of the Yi Peng festival. But launching the lantern by yourself is tricky, so it’s best to have a lantern release partner. Once you find a partner, one person should hold the paper and the other light the block at the base of the lantern. After you light it, be sure to hold it tightly as hot air will begin to fill the lantern and start to pull upwards. When your lantern starts to lift, you can gently release it into the night sky. Make sure to let the lantern float naturally without pushing it. 

Before you release it into the air, don’t forget to make a wish!

As the rice harvest ends, it’s time to thank the Water Goddess for this year’s abundance. It’s also the time to symbolically ‘float away’ anger and grudges and to start anew.

On this day, people will gather around lakes, rivers, and canals to pay respects to the goddess of water by releasing lotus-shaped boats (Loy Krathong) decorated with candles, incense and flowers into the water.

Note: Remember! Lanterns come down. After the festival, most will end up in trees, rivers, and on the ground. So, if you have time afterwards, volunteer and help clean up. The traditional Krathong floating boats are made from the leave of the banana tree and the spider lily plants, so they will quickly disintegrate after a few days. 

 

https://thethaiger.com/guides/thailands-most-magical-festival-yi-peng

https://www.hotels.com/go/thailand/loy-krathong-bangkok

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