Yi Peng

What it is

Yi Peng is a cultural and religious festival celebrated in Northern Thailand. It is known as a time of light and spiritual renewal. The event involves releasing lanterns into the night sky. This act is seen as a way to send wishes to the heavens. It also honors the Buddha and ancestors. The festival runs for three days. It aligns with the full moon of the second month in the local calendar. Most celebrations happen in November.

Where it comes from

The custom began in the ancient Lan Na Kingdom. Its roots may stretch back to the Haripuñjaya Kingdom. Some accounts link it to older Indian animist beliefs. Today it is viewed as a Buddhist practice. A legend says birds circled the Buddha with torches. Their devotion earned them good fortune. People now offer light to gain similar merit. The name means the full moon of the second month.

How it is done

Participants launch sky lanterns called khom loi. These rise when heated air fills their paper bodies. Homes and temples are decorated with hanging lanterns. Small clay lamps called phang pratheep are lit. Monks chant and give sermons at temples. Devotees float krathongs on rivers. They make offerings of food to the poor. Wishes for prosperity are spoken aloud.

Tools and materials

Khom loi are thin fabric or paper lanterns. They use bamboo frames and candles. Khom fai are shaped paper lanterns. Phang pratheep are small earthen lamps. Khom thue are carried on sticks. Khom pariwat spin near candle heat. Lanterns often use five sacred colors. These represent the aura of the Buddha.

What it is for

The release of lanterns is meant to remove bad luck. It clears away troubles from the past year. People ask for good fortune ahead. The light honors the heavenly stupa of the Buddha. It also pays respect to ancestors. Lighting lamps brings purity and merit. The acts are believed to protect against evil spirits.

Who does it

Local communities organize the events. Families prepare lanterns and decorations. Monks lead religious services and chants. Visitors join in the public festivities. The Chiang Mai Municipality hosts parades. Artists compete in lantern design contests. Community groups build large decorative entries.

Peoples and places

The Lanna people maintain this tradition. It is central to Northern Thai culture. Cities like Chiang Mai host major events. Lamphun, Lampang, and Chiang Rai also celebrate. The custom spread to parts of Laos centuries ago. Modern tourism has expanded its reach globally.

What people believe

The festival follows Theravada Buddhist principles. Merit is gained through generosity and prayer. Light symbolizes wisdom and purity. Spirits fear the five sacred lantern colors. The ritual honors the Five Buddhas of the current age. Practitioners believe actions here affect future lives.

When it is done

The festival starts on Wan Da. This is the waxing moon before the full moon. The main ceremonies occur on the eve of the full moon. The final day is the full moon itself. Krathongs are floated on the river then. Events typically take place in November.

Questions people ask about Yi Peng

Good reading and sources

• Yi Peng festival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data