At the end of October, we drove over to MaeJo University on our motorcycles for the annual Yi Peng festival. The highlight of Yi Peng and Loy Kratong is the spellbinding show that happens when thousands of people join together to release khom loi (lit lanterns) into the night sky. Prior to the big
spectacle, monks perform chants
during an on-stage ceremony.
During the other key ritual of this beautiful festival, participants let go of krathong—small floating vessels made from banana stalks and decorated with incense, offerings, flower and candles—into rivers and lakes creating a beautiful sight.
Surrounding events include bright parades, musical performances,
beauty pageants, traditional dances, lantern-making contests, fireworks,
and lots and lots of food. |