The activities concerning the temple during the Yipeng Festival given here are compiled from the book on The 12 Months of Lanna Festivals by Manee Phayomyong (2000, 13-14) and an interview with the revered monk Phrakhru Adunsilakit (Thanwuttho), on Nov. 4, 2008 when he was the abbot of Wat Thatkham, Tambon Haiya, Mueang District, Chiang Mai.
Morning
It begins around 5 a.m. of Yipeng day with alms giving of khaomathupayat (a speical mixture of rice, beans and all kinds of grain with honey and molasses). The ceremony is conducted in front of the principle Buddha after the ritual performer leads them to recite the words to pay respect to the Buddha.
Later around 6 a.m. is the time to present food and pass on the merit to the deceased and ancestors. About 7 a.m. is the time to put flowers, candles and incense sticks on the tray to pay respect to the Three Gems. The monks then come into the vihan and preach the five precepts followed by the chant for alms giving on Yipeng month. Later in the morning is the time for monks and children to join in releasing "wao hom" or smoke lanterns to pay respect to Phra Ketkaeo Chulamani in heaven.
Midday
During this time, people come to make merit by listening to the monks preaching the Dhamma dedicated to each person's year of month or day of birth known as Khamphi Tham Chata. Some temples can arrange for the preaching of the Mahachat and some make sapaos to be taken in a big procession to a big river to float them in the evening.
Evening
The people will take flowers and popped rice as well as phang prathit to the temple to pay respect to the five Buddhas and the Three Gems. Monks will preach a sermon on Anisongphanprathit and light the lanterns around the temple and light the fireworks to pay respect to the Buddha. After that, the people will go home and light phang prathit at various places around their houses such as house doors, water wells, kitchen, water pots, etc. Some join together in releasing Lanterns or "wao fai". Some listen to the Mahachat sermon. Some places my arrange to have a sapao parade to float the sapao along the big river in their villages or towns.
Eng
