Loy Krathong and Yi Peng are two of Thailand’s most famous festivals (also known as the Thailand Lantern Festivals) that both take place on the same day. In 2020, Loy Krathong will take place on October 31 while Yi Peng will take place on both October 31 and November 1.
Loy Krathong — The Floating Lantern Festival
In Thai, loy means to float and a krathong is a small container, traditionally made from banana leaves and a slice of banana tree. Krathongs often contain a candle, incense sticks, and flowers. The krathong floating on the water symbolizes one’s willingness to let go of hatred and anger.
On the night of the festival, Thai people make a wish as they launch their krathongs onto the rivers, canals, and lakes. Some people place hair and fingernails inside the krathong to symbolize letting go of their past mistakes and negative thoughts. It is a purification ceremony to enlighten the mind and bring good fortune.
Yi Peng — Chiang Mai Sky Lantern Festival:
Yi Peng (or Yee Peng), is the other Thai lantern festival highlighting the numerous releases of sky lanterns propelled by flames at their base that are released and ‘float’ up into the sky. These sky lanterns are called khom loi in Thai, which means floating lanterns.
The launching of lanterns into the sky symbolises launching their own bad luck and mistakes into oblivion.
