VDO Yipeng Lanna Light Festival Chiang Mai

Religion, Culture, and the Sustainability of Tourism

Yi Peng is not merely a festival it is an act of worship and reverence toward the Buddha, the Dhamma, the Sangha, and the Goddess of the River. The heart of the tradition lies in the rivers, canals, and ponds where we float our krathong as a symbolic offering.

In the past, people floated krathongs with respect and awareness of cleanliness. The materials used were all natural, free from chemicals, unlike today’s foam or plastic krathongs that pollute the waterways.

Today, we are reminded that true worship means doing what is best for nature’s waterways — choosing biodegradable krathongs and eco-friendly materials. Even candles and lanterns should be made with consideration for their environmental impact.

Krathongs made from bread or banana trunks, if produced in excess, can also become a problem. Hence, moderation is essential to protect natural resources. Likewise, incense and candles with artificial colors or chemicals cause air and water pollution.

In the past, Wat Wararam set an example of sustainability by melting leftover temple candles to create new lantern cups (phang pratheep).

If after floating krathongs the river becomes dirty and polluted, we harm what we intend to honor. But if the water remains clean, fish thrive, and nature flourishes — that is the true continuation of Yi Peng, a tradition that lives in harmony with nature.

Phra Khru Wisutthakitchanon Nantta,Abbot of Wat Lam Chang

Phorn Tean - Worshipping the City

During the “Tam Phang Pratheep Song Fa Haksa Muang 2025” ceremony, the fawn tian (candle dance) — one of the most graceful Lanna dances — will be performed under the guidance of Khru Ae Jidapha, a master of traditional Northern Thai dance.

The parade begins at Tha Phae Gate and proceeds along Ratchadamnoen Road toward Phra Pokklao Road. Each dancer carries a glowing lantern cup (phang pratheep) to be placed at the Three Kings Monument before performing the candle dance as a tribute to the Buddha and to the city of Chiang Mai. Simultaneously, lanterns will be lit across all four corners of the old city.

This event is powered by volunteer dancers from the Fawn Rai Ngam Network, local dance troupes from every district, and Khru Ae’s learning center. Preparation begins as early as October, with workshops, training sessions, and full rehearsals.

Applications were open via Google Form through the Rak Chiang Mai Community Network and Khru Ae Lanna Dance Learning Center pages until September 25, with over 30 groups joining this year — totaling more than 1,000 volunteer dancers.

A full dress rehearsal will be held on November 1 (4:00–7:30 PM) to ensure the performance is perfect for the festival night.

After the candle dance, the evening continues with Phang Pratheep Dance, Lotus Lantern Dance, Peacock Tail Dance, and other traditional performances — each telling a story of light, faith, and the living heritage of Lanna.

Every graceful motion is more than art — it is worship, wisdom, and a way to keep the spirit of Lanna alive.

Passing Down Lanna Wisdom Through Music

The living heritage of Lanna continues through the sounds of gongs, drums, and local instruments. It begins with a group of secondary school students from Chiang Mai who share a love for traditional Thai and Northern music.

Each morning before classes, they gather to rehearse, and even after school, they continue to practice. Weekends are dedicated to perfecting their craft, improving harmony, and learning multiple instruments — from klong sabad chai (victory drums) and klong tueng nong to traditional string and wind instruments.

Their teacher encourages them to rotate roles to understand every instrument’s connection. Once skilled, they form their own ensemble and perform at community events, joining with local dance and cultural networks.

The sounds they create are more than performances — they are living proof of Lanna’s spirit, passed down and reimagined through the hands of a new generation.

Ajarn Boonyawat,Hang Dong Rattrajupathum School

Tam Phang Pratheep Song Fa Haksa Muang: 14th Year

This event began from the passion of ordinary Chiang Mai residents who wanted to preserve the city’s roots. As the lantern-floating trend grew, older traditions began to fade. The Tam Phang Pratheep Festival brings back these meaningful customs — giving locals and visitors a chance to experience authentic Lanna life.

Beyond faith and culture, the festival also boosts the local economy by creating jobs and income for communities — making it not just a traditional event, but a truly sustainable one.

Every aspect of the festival — from the lighting of lanterns to religious rituals and artistic performances — connects to the goal of cultural preservation. It allows foreign visitors to witness genuine Lanna beauty while inspiring pride among locals.

This year, the event will be held on 3 November, featuring grand candle-dance parades, workshops, and over 10,000 lanterns being lit across the city.

Even more special this year, as Chiang Mai celebrates its 730th anniversary, the goal is to light 30,000 lanterns as an offering to the city before this historic milestone.

The light of phang pratheep symbolizes prosperity, guidance, and devotion. It’s a once-a-year celebration not to be missed — a night to gather, illuminate the city, and honor Chiang Mai’s enduring charm and cultural soul.

Saowakhon Sriboonruang,Coordinator, Rak Chiang Mai Community Network