Chiang Mai Loi Kratong (Yi Peng) Festival

Loi Kratong Festival, which is also known as Yi Peng in the Chiang Mai, is the most colorful festival of the year. 'Yee' is means 'two' and 'Peng' is means 'Full moon' The festival is usually held on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month. It takes place over three days of the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, which is usually in November. The festival may have evolved from Brahmanic rites to honor the dead as well as local rites to bring an end to the rains.

Though legends suggest it was established by the time of King Tilokarat in the late 15th century, the origins of this festival prior to the 19th century are uncertain.

Kratong, Chiang Mai, Thailand Now people generally believe that by releasing floats and balloons they get rid of bad luck and give thanks to the water and heavenly elements. Older folks may say that it is to show gratitude to the Goddess of the River - Mae Khong Kha - for use of the water.

For the three nights of the festival people release small floats - Kratong - made of disks cut from the banana tree stem and banana leafs, with offerings that include incense, flowers, candles and money into the rivers and lakes. The Ping River becomes a stream of lights floating gently with the current. Small hot air balloons rise like lanterns high into the sky, complementing the floats drifting on the waters. Fireworks are let of everywhere, particularly on the banks of the Ping River, and there is a parade each night in Chiang Mai.

Float, Chiang Mai, Thailand The Loi Kratong festival begins the day before the full moon. People decorate the entrances of there houses with coconut branches, banana leafs, sugar-cane lanterns and colored paper. As dusk falls people light earthen lamps placed along the walls of their property and the fireworks start. The lantern parade takes place on Wang Sing Kham Road between Nawarat Bridge and Nakhorn Ping Bridge.

On the morning of the day of the full moon, people present offerings at the temples before releasing large hot air balloons from temple grounds. A competition for the best balloon is held in front of Chiang Mai Hall on Wang Sing Kham Road. Boat races are held on the river.

The colorfully lit floats form a long glittering parade as they make their ways to the Ping River. Meanwhile, up above thousands of 'khom loy' (floating lanterns) drift into the night sky. These large balloon-like lanterns are released at temples and sometimes from private homes in the hope that misfortune flies away with them.

In the year 2009 Loi Krathong Festival will be held on November 1 – 3. The hightlight of the event is the procession of big Krathong Contest passing along The Pae Road throught Warorot Market up to in front of the municipal office and the launching Krathong on the Ping River.
The Chiang Mai municipality together with other agencies both public and private sector organizes many attractive to create a new perception of the festival and preservation of local identily of Lanna people. The activities include a grand show Light & Sound presentation on the Ping River and local lanterns decolations aimed to promote the cultural heritage of Chiang Mai that has long history for 713 years.