The special Yee Peng (Loy Krathong) in Sansai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Not a secret anymore, but still spectacular
Michael Vogt
What used to be almost a secret, or at best only known to
a few foreigners living in Chiang Mai, has nowadays developed into a more
well known activity. The Yee Peng celebrations and festivities at the
Meditation Center of Maejo University have become more and more popular, yet
are still dominated by the presence and participation of a vast majority of
Thais. And it should stay that way.
Far from
the beaten tracks of the more commercialized festivities, the Maejo Yee Peng
(Loy Krathong) celebrations in Sansai reflect and emphasize the genuine
tradition of Thailand’s most romantic elements of its calendar, those
being reflection, meditation, and tranquility. Shown here, hundreds of monks
lead the procession to a huge golden statue of the Lord Buddha.
Far away from the beaten tracks of the nowadays quite
commercialized festivities, sporting anything from funny hats, fireworks and
excessive noise, the Maejo celebrations reflect and emphasize the genuine
tradition of Thailand’s most romantic element of its calendar, those being
reflection, meditation, and, by far and foremost, tranquility.
Over
a hundred monks were seated in a semicircle around a moonlit stage.
Upon arrival, after having successfully completed the
parking arrangements, visitors were greeted by traditional and festive
dancers, as well as very well-spoken and bilingual (!) Thai students, who
escorted the impressed guests to one of thousands pre-arranged sitting
areas, complete with an unlit oil lamp.
Shortly after the sunset, local dignitaries were led to
their seats, accompanied by hundreds of Thai candle dancers. By that time,
thousands of visiting worshipers had assembled around a semicircular stage,
where over 100 abbots and monks in their orange robes had illuminated their
candles and taken their seats, starting their sermons. English translations
were given at almost all times, a fact very much appreciated by all those
not overly familiar with the Northern Thai language. Visitors were reminded
to turn off their mobile phones, and a peaceful silence, almost
supernatural, fell over the area. The gentle words of the Abbot were only
interrupted by a few firecrackers from the neighborhood.
The
procession was joined by Thais and foreigners alike.
The sermon was completed, and hundreds of monks,
dignitaries and visitors encompassed the stage, worshipping the huge golden
statue of the Lord Buddha, positioned in a moonlight glow on top of the
stage.
Then, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived, the venerable
monk’s voice was heard praying to send all sins and bad luck together with
the lanterns into the sky. Loudspeaker voices told people to hold on, to not
let go, and to await the signal to release the Komloys simultaneously. When
the signal was heard, the sky was filled with thousands of illuminated
balloons, drifting off into infinity, taking with them sins and bad thoughts
- a truly breathtaking and magic sight. To watch the magnificent and
colorful fireworks display, the monks processed from the stage, and joined
the clapping and smiling people. An overwhelming and memorable experience
came to an end, and won’t be easily forgotten.
The
moment had come - the Komloys were about to be released.
You can also donate to help us to continue to provide our services Thanks for your support.
Clicking on these ads helps provide funds and scholarships to poor students at Pongyang Elementary School in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The children there thank you for your support. And so does AsiaRecipe.com...
We know banners can be annoying at times, but we hope you will appreciate the good your support does. Thanks for your patience.
Over
a hundred monks were seated in a semicircle around a moonlit stage.
The
procession was joined by Thais and foreigners alike.
