In Asia, lantern festivals are often celebrated as part of certain festivals. The purpose of these festivals is to promote peace, reconciliation and forgiveness. For Asians, lanterns hold a deep meaning and are one of the most meaningful sacred celebrations.
Every year, lantern festivals are held in Asian countries, especially in Southeast Asia, as lanterns are an important element of Asian culture. The shape of lanterns also varies, ranging from those that are flown, have distinctive designs and characters, to lanterns that are drifting in the river.
For this reason, lantern festivals in Asia have always had a special appeal for travelers who love cultural experiences.
Here are the top 5 lantern festivals in Southeast Asia that can be a bucket list for travelers who want to experience and enjoy their uniqueness.
Check it out, Seasians!
Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Lantern Festival, Thailand
In Thailand, the lantern festival is held on the full moon that falls on the second month of the Lanna lunar calendar (12th month in the Thai lunar calendar).
It is usually celebrated throughout Northern Thailand, with the main ceremony taking place in Chiang Mai every year.
Thais believe that the Yi Peng lantern festival reflects sending offerings to the Buddha to the heavens, as well as cleansing the soul of bad luck to be alleviated, or a symbol of hope for a better future.
The lanterns that are flown are known as “Khom loi” and the release of these lanterns into the air is part of the Yi Peng festival.
On the other hand, the Loy Krathong lantern festival is celebrated throughout Thailand in conjunction with the Yi Peng festival, so it is particularly popular in the Bangkok and Sukhotai regions.
The main difference between Loy Krathong and Yi Peng lies in the placement of lanterns in a “krathong” or traditional basket made of banana stalks, filled with candles, incense, and flowers, which are then floated in water. This honors the water spirits as well as asking for forgiveness for any pollution.
The sight creates an incredible and peaceful experience for anyone who witnesses it.
Vesak Day Lantern Festival, Indonesia
In Indonesia, this lantern festival is an event that commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha, where lanterns are released into the sky as part of the festivities.
The high-flying lanterns reflect liberation from the desires of the world and the quest for enlightenment.
The lantern festival in Indonesia is held every May at Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java, which adds to the magical and spiritual atmosphere, providing peace and moments of deep reflection during the festival.
Hoi An Lantern Festival, Viet Nam
In other Asian countries, the lantern festival is usually an annual event, but in Viet Nam, the festival is held as a monthly celebration to welcome the full moon, which is considered the holiest time in the Buddhist calendar.
The Hoi An lantern festival is an ideal time to meditate, perform rituals, reflect on life, and honor ancestors, and the festival's events in Viet Nam are dense and sacred, including offerings at family temples, incense burning, and candle lighting.
Read also: i Light Singapore: Explore the Dazzling Festival of Lights and Connection
Thadingyut Festival of Lights, Myanmar
In Myanmar, the Thadingyut Festival of Lights takes place over three days in October to celebrate the end of Buddhist Lent and symbolize the Buddha's return from heaven.
In this celebration, Myanmar people believe that angels illuminate the path of the Buddha's descent into the world.
During the event, pagodas in Myanmar will be filled with locals as well as visiting tourists.
Every corner of Myanmar during the Thadingyut Light festival will be decorated with colored lights, lanterns, and candles, as a symbol of welcoming the arrival of Buddha from heaven.
Local people also honor elders and monks, so during the festivities, houses, streets, and pagodas are decorated with bright lights.
The Thadingyut Festival of Lights will also be reflected with traditional performances and concerts in open-air locations, creating a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere.
Boun Lai Heua Fai Festival of Lights, Laos
In Laos, the festival of lights known as Boun Lai Heua Fai is usually organized in October and falls three months after the celebration of Khao Phansa.
The event takes place on Boun Awk Phansa which marks the end of Lent in the Buddhist tradition. In its organization, the festival combines elements from animism and Buddhism.
This Boun Lai Heua Fai light festival has similarities to Loy Krathong in Thailand, where krathongs are launched and left to float on the Mekong river. The purpose is to honor the river gods and spirits of the ancestors and mark the release of the burden of negative thoughts and behaviors.
The event is held in Luang Prabang and Vientiane, creating an aesthetically pleasing and spiritually rich atmosphere.
Read also: A Celebration of Lights and Arts: Singapore Night Festival
These are some of the lantern festivals in Southeast Asia that are worthy of a cultural vacation bucket list, with diverse experiences and sacred, yet festive celebrations.
Which country will you be targeting first for your Seasians traveler bucket list?
