Yi Peng festival in Chiang Mai commences

CHIANG MAI, 2 November 2009 (NNT) – The traditional Lanna festival of Yi Peng in the northern province of Chiang Mai has commenced with the Yi Peng lantern procession and throngs of both tourists and Thais who traveled to celebrate the festival.

Chiang Mai Deputy Governor, Pairot Sangphoowong, on Sunday presided over the Yi Peng celebrative event at Tapae Gate Square with the presence of consuls from many countries, and many locals and tourists attending the event. In addition, a panda family lantern was also launched during the event.

The event is organized by Chiang Mai Municipality, Chiang Mai Administrative Organization, and related sectors and will run from 31 October to 3 November 2009 at Tapae Gate with the aim to observe traditional Lanna practice of the festival. Lanterns and candles will be launched for Buddha Puja – a merit devoted for religious purposes.

Apart from fireworks displays, the event also featured processions and contests of small and large krathongs, a Yi Peng lantern procession, Yi Peng Beauty Queen and Little Princess contests, and a walking street market. Tapae Gate Square and the Three Kings Monument Square were also decorated with various types of lanterns, including Yi Peng, Lanna, Chinese, Japanese, and American lanterns.

The Yi Peng lantern procession last night was comprised of eight groups of dancers. All of them were fully decorated with lanna lanterns made by locals and featured Lanna traditional dancers and beauties luring attention from tourists.