Question 1: What is the main purpose of releasing lanterns during the Yi Peng festival in northern Thailand?
A To celebrate the harvest season
B To honour the Buddha and release misfortune
C To commemorate the founding of cities
The Yi Peng festival involves releasing glowing paper lanterns—khom loi—as a way to honour the Buddha and symbolically carry away misfortune, making this option the correct one.
Correct Answer: To honour the Buddha and release misfortune
Question 2: Which temple is a significant site for witnessing the Yi Peng festival?
A Wat Phra Kaew
B Phra That Hariphunchai
C Wat Arun
The temple of Phra That Hariphunchai in Lamphun is highlighted as a striking place to observe the Yi Peng festival, making this the correct answer.
Correct Answer: Phra That Hariphunchai
Question 3: What does the Loy Krathong festival, celebrated south of Yi Peng, primarily involve?
A Performing traditional dances
B Releasing lanterns into the sky
C Gliding candlelit rafts across water
Loy Krathong is celebrated with candlelit rafts that are floated on water, contrasting with the luminous lanterns of Yi Peng, thus making this option correct.
Correct Answer: Gliding candlelit rafts across water