♦ History of Yee Peng Festival or Loy Krathong Festival
Yee Peng Festival is an annual festival of the Lanna people, which coincides with Thailand’s Loy Krathong Festival, held on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month in the Thai lunar calendar. The word “Yi” means the second month in the Lanna calendar, and “Peng” means full moon or full moon day. During this festival, people float krathongs on the river and release lanterns into the sky to worship Phra Mae Khongkha (the Goddess of Water) and to ask for forgiveness and show respect to the water.

The Yee Peng Festival has a long history dating back to ancient times, recorded to have started during the Mengrai dynasty, under the reign of King Mangrai the Great, who founded Chiang Mai as a center of trade and culture for the Lanna people. The floating of krathongs and releasing of lanterns during the Yee Peng Festival is not only a celebration to worship Phra Mae Khongkha but also a way to pray for happiness, prosperity, and abundance in life.

♦ Activities during Yee Peng Festival or Loy Krathong Festival
During the Yee Peng Festival, there are various activities that the people of Chiang Mai and tourists join in to celebrate, including:

Floating Krathongs
Details: Participants make krathongs from natural materials such as banana leaves, flowers, incense, and candles. They then float the krathongs on the river to worship Phra Mae Khongkha and ask for forgiveness for utilizing the water throughout the year.

Releasing Lanterns
Details: Participants release lanterns made from thin paper with a light inside into the sky to worship Phra That Chedi. Releasing lanterns is also a way to pray for the elimination of suffering and to bring good fortune and prosperity into their lives.

Krathong Parade
Details: There is a parade featuring beautifully decorated large krathongs, a contest for large and small krathongs, cultural performances such as traditional dances and music, and the Noppamas Queen contest.

Fireworks Display
Details: On Yee Peng night, fireworks are lit to add to the festive atmosphere and celebrate the festival.

Making Merit and Candlelit Procession
Details: Locals go to various temples to make merit, offer food to monks, and participate in candlelit processions around the ordination hall to enhance auspiciousness in their lives.

Decorating Homes and the City with Lanterns
Details: Homes and streets in Chiang Mai are decorated with beautiful lanterns and lights to create a bright and beautiful atmosphere during the festival.

The Yee Peng Festival is a time when Chiang Mai is filled with a beautiful and warm atmosphere, full of fun and cultural expressions. Tourists, both Thai and foreign, come together to experience an unforgettable experience.