The reflection of the sky lanterns on the lake creates a magical atmosphere Responsible travel during Loi Krathong and Yi Peng FestivalsĪlthough both of these festivals are incredibly beautiful and picturesque, it’s important to take care in how you join the activities. Keep in mind the date changes every year so it’s difficult to predict it too far in advance. Usually, this falls anywhere from mid-October to mid-November and lasts for a few days. These festivals are celebrated on the twelfth lunar month according to the Thai calendar on the full moon day. When are Loi Krathong and Yi Peng celebrated? As she was very clever and talented, she created the first krathong in the shape of a delicate lotus flower and presented it to King Ramhamhaeng who enthralled with the design, accepted the gift and set it in the water with a lit candle atop.Īlthough this legend is not a factual account of the festival’s background, it is a story loved by Thai people, so much so in fact that there is a beauty contest during the event named after this character. Thai legend talks of a beautiful consort of the Sukhothai court named Nang Noppamus who was the daughter of a Brahmin priest. Both festivals offer floating baskets to river deities to express gratitude, thankfulness, and the desire for forgiveness. In fact, there are some similarities with the Indian holiday Deepavali, which is also celebrated between mid-October to mid-November every year. It is believed the origins of Loi Krathong come from India. Sometimes, locals place a coin in the float for good luck or some strands of hair and fingernail clippings as a symbol of letting go of misfortune, anger and grief.Įxample of a krathong History of Loi Krathong Then, they place the small boat into a river stream as an offering to the goddess of the water Pra Mae Khongkha.įor centuries, Thai people have made a living through agriculture, so this festival is a way for locals to ask forgiveness to the water goddess for using resources and causing pollution. Thai people generally create their own krathongs with folded banana leaves, exotic flowers, candles and incense. The first, loi, means to float, while krathong is a type of small floating basket made from banana tree trunks or old bread. If you visit Chiang Mai during this time, be prepared for large crowds and higher prices when booking hotels and other activities due to the massive influx in both domestic and international visitors. Yi Peng occurs simultaneously with another important Thai festival, Loi Krathong. Make sure to watch your lantern until it disappears for the best luck, but do be careful because if it burns out while in full view it’s considered VERY bad luck! If you release your lantern correctly, it’s believed that your wish will come true IF you do good deeds in the next year. Releasing these lanterns is a symbol of letting go of misfortunes and receiving merit, an important concept in Buddhism. Khom Loi can be bought at many temples throughout Chiang Mai.
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