CHIANG MAI, Nov 22 (TNA) – Yee Peng Lantern Festival of
Thailand’s northern Chiang Mai province kicked off Wednesday night with
thousands of lanterns lighting up the city.
Loy Krathong Festival, one of Thailand’s biggest and most
picturesque festivals, is celebrated throughout Thailand on the full moon night
of the 12th lunar month. But for people
of Chiang Mai at the heart of Lanna civilization, the festival is known as Yee
Peng or Lantern Festival.
In a ceremony at Tha Pae ancient city gate, Governor
Suphachai Iam-suwan opened Chiang Mai’s Yee Peng Festival that runs from
Wednesday to Friday.
The cities and towns in Chiang Mai and others in the upper
north are adorned with lanterns of twinkling lights hanging from trees,
buildings, and temples in the Lanna’s version of Loy Krathong celebration.
Thousands of Lanna lanterns have been raised up in historic
district of Chiang Mai. At a royal
monument of ancient kings, tens of thousands of lanterns create a charming
illumination drawing enthusiastic tourists.
Officials say at least Bt800 millions of tourism revenue
will be generated during the three days of this year’s festival.
Chiang Mai city has enforced strict ban on firecrackers and
restrictions of sky lanterns, one of the essential elements of Yee Peng.
To avoid disruptions to aviation and prevent fire, the city
administration require people to obtain permits to fly sky lanterns. Violator will face charge punishable for up
to three years in prison and Bt60,000 fine.
There will be 70,000 sky lanterns lighting up night sky
during the festival, officials say.(TNA)
