On the evening of Yi Peng, apart from being illuminated by thousands of lanterns, candles, and hanging lamps at various points around houses, temples, and event venues, there is also the practice of paying homage to the Buddha, setting up "Thammaluang" or "Mahachat" shrines.
The tradition of setting up Thammaluang or Mahachat shrines is ancient and has been passed down through generations. "Thammaluang" involves listening to important or significant Buddhist teachings, often featuring Thammaluang statues, which are the last stage of the Buddha's life before enlightenment and becoming a fully realized Buddha. These statues include all 13 postures.
In addition to setting up Mahachat shrines or Thammaluang, the temple and the Buddhist community also collaborate to consider other moral or scripture texts for recitation.
Apart from listening to Thammaluang teachings or setting up Mahachat shrines, the Yi Peng activities at the temple also include offering special birthday candles to create merit during one's birth month, birth date, and birth year, aiming for good luck, fortune, and continuing the Buddhist tradition. It is believed that participating in this event helps to enhance one's fortune and has led to the continued practice of Buddhism for over five thousand years.
This is a beloved tradition in the Lanna region, with evidence of preserved Buddhist texts written in the Lanna script found in ancient temples. For those who wish to admire the beauty of the light within the temple on the evening of Yi Peng, they can pay their respects to the Buddha and join the Thammaluang setup ceremony as another way to offer their reverence.
