Two weekends ago at the Rise Festival in the Mojave Desert, thousands gathered to release 20,000 sky lanterns into the night sky.
The Rise Festival takes its inspiration from the Thai festivals of Loi Krathong and Yi Peng, which both involve the releasing of candle-lit lanterns. In Loi Krathong, participants use lanterns made out of banana leaves or bread to carry candles and release them into the river, where they will float downstream before disintegrating or be eaten by the fishes. The candle is used to venerate the Buddha with light, while the floating lanterns represents letting go of one’s past transgressions, hatred, and negative thoughts. Yi Peng uses that same concept, but uses sky lanterns instead. Though in recent times, sky lantern releasing has been heavily restricted due to specific areas to avoid obstructing air traffic.
The festival begins with live music, food, and drink to create a relaxing atmosphere, where participants can mingle and get to know one another. During this first hour or so, participants use this time to personalize their lanterns with wishes, hopes, prayers, and resolutions unique to the individual.
From there the participants gather to release the first wave of lanterns in unison. With each lantern requiring 2-3 people to launch, this act of releasing lanterns together symbolizes unity between individuals. After the first wave, it is up to the attendee’s discretion when and how many additional lanterns they will release.
According to the Rise Festival “Leave No Trace Policy”, their festival approved lanterns are all 100% biodegradable and 100% of all the lanterns will be retrieved. Additionally, they purchase carbon offsets for every vehicle they use in the setup and clean up of the festival.
