If you've been keeping up with my Steemit blog, you'll know that I'm currently living in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Recently (on Nov 3rd and 4th) I experienced the magical festivals of Yee Peng and Loy Krathong. It was breathtaking and I wanted to share my experience with you.

Yee Peng Festival

The Yee Peng festival is celebrated on the first full moon of the 12th traditional Thai calendar. In the Western calendar, which usually falls in November.

Chiang Mai, the ancient capital of the former Lanna Kingdom, hosts a spectacular series of festivities with the most enchanting being the release of thousands of sky lanterns.

Some background from https://www.chiangmaitraveller.com/

In this festival, lighted Khom Loi (Lanna style sky lanterns) are released into the air through the course of the night. The act of releasing the lantern symbolizes letting go of all ills and misfortunes in the previous year, and Buddhists also believe that if you make a wish when you set off the lantern, it will come true (but only if you do good deeds the following year).

Check out this amazing 1st-hand experience (and a lantern catching fire mid-flight at the 56 sec mark)

Magical, isn't it? I had never experienced something like this before and honestly, I didn't know what to expect. Here's another video of my and my first lantern!! My cheeks literally hurt from all the smiling and I def got a bit emotional...

More pictures to set the moment.

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Loy Krathong

Here's a little background, again from https://www.chiangmaitraveller.com/

Loy Krathong is a festival celebrated throughout Thailand with the festivities in Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya being particularly well known. Thais use the festival to thank the goddess of water for providing life to the fields and forests and asks for forgiveness for polluting ways of the human.

Loosely translated, Loy Krathong means, “to float a basket”.
“Loy” means to float and a “Krathong” is a small handmade boat traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk. Modern-day versions often use styrofoam or bread which will disintegrate after a few days and can be eaten by fish.

Unfortunately it was very windy the night I went to the river to float my basket and all of the candles and incense were getting blown out. I couldn't capture any footage, but here's a pic of the types of baskets that are floated. All beautiful and amazing at only ~$1! I hoped to see an entire river lit with fire, but not this year.

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The Parade

Walking back, I encountered a parade! Check out some of the floats and Thai locals in tradition dress.

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...and to cap off the night, some Thai BBQ and a ride home in a Tuktuk!

I hope you enjoyed the journey and that you keep following your dreams. Don't just make a wish and hope it comes true, go out there and hustle for it. It's up to you. #buildFreedom

Until next time :)

-Ashe