Thailand: Chiang Mai – Yee Peng Lantern Release Opening

The biggest event at Yee Peng/Loi Krathong Festival of Lights is the massive release of paper lanterns in to the sky, and this is what I came here for. There are about three or four events over four days in different locations, but the biggest one is the government-sponsored 5000 people ceremony out in the open fields about 30km outside Chiang Mai. A makeshift temple is constructed in the middle, and concentric rows of seating follow in Super VIP, VIP, and Standard areas. Traditional dances are performed and then monks come out for chants, as the temple changed colors and lighting. When all this is said and done – it’s time for lantern release (next post). Some people actually jump the gun and light the lantern early.
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