Origins of the Yi Peng

Discover the History of Yi Peng Festival

Uncovering the Origins of the Yi Peng Tradition

The Yi Peng Festival is a unique and colorful celebration that takes place in the Northern Thai city of Chiang Mai. It is a time when thousands of sky lanterns are released into the night sky, creating a stunning display of light and color. The festival has a rich history and cultural significance, and attracts visitors from all over the world.

The Sky Lantern festival is rooted in the ancient Buddhist tradition of making offerings to the heavens. Participants release sky lanterns, symbolizing their prayers and wishes, and the lanterns are believed to carry their messages to the gods. The festival is also a time for letting go of negative emotions and making a fresh start, and many people use the occasion to make resolutions and set intentions for the coming year.

History of Yi Peng Festival:

The origins of the Yi Peng Festival can be traced back over 700 years to the time of the Lanna Kingdom in Northern Thailand. It was a time of great religious and cultural significance, and the festival was an important event in the spiritual calendar. Over time, the festival has evolved and changed, but the core tradition of releasing sky lanterns remains the same.

Who is Nang Noppamas:

The Loy Krathong festival has undergone changes over time. Originally, the festival involved floating lanterns as a way to pay homage to the Buddha's relics and footprints. However, the tradition was transformed when Mrs. Noppamas or Phra Ruang's consort introduced the "Lotus Krathong." This new invention, a krathong shaped like a lotus, replaced the floating lanterns. Somdej Phra Ruang, who was impressed by Noppamas's krathong, decided to adopt the use of lotus krathongs as a way to keep the Loi Krathong tradition alive and set an example for others to follow. As a result, the festival now involves floating lotus krathongs instead of lanterns.

Phra Mae Kongka:

In Hinduism, the Ganges is revered as a water guardian deity, and the Lanna lunar calendar recognizes its significance. The Loi Krathong tradition is a way to express gratitude to Mae Ganga and to apologize for polluting the river, reminding people to conserve water and appreciate its importance. The ceremony involves floating Krathongs, with written wishes, down the river, symbolizing the release of negative experiences and the manifestation of desires. Similarly, during the Yi Peng Festival, people pray and release lanterns in honor of the Ganges, seeking blessings and guidance for the coming year.

Yi Peng Sky Lanterns Festival:

The Yi Peng Sky Lanterns Festival is a time of worship and devotion to Ket Kaew Chulamaneed (Relic of Lord Buddha) in heaven. Participants release sky lanterns as an offering to the gods, and as a symbol of their faith and devotion. The festival is a time of great joy and celebration, and is an important event in the spiritual calendar of the Northern Thai people.

Yi Peng Festival Dates:

The official date of the Yi Peng Festival is announced the year before. It typically takes place on the night of the full moon, or one day before or after. Here are the upcoming full moon dates, and the tentative Yi Peng Festival dates:

Years	Day 1 in Chiang Mai	Day 2 in Chiang Mai
2022	November 8	November 9
2023	October 27	October 28
2024	November 15	November 16
2025	November 5	November 6
2026	November 24	November 25
2027	November 13	November 14
2028	November 1	November 2
2029	November 20	November 21
2030	November 9	November 10
2031	November 17	November 18
2032	November 16	November 17