When the moment comes, the crowd unfolds their lanterns and starts lighting up the fuel cell attached to fill the khom loi with hot air. Excitement is felt everywhere, from families preparing to launch the lanterns …
… to friends all holding their khom loi and making a wish together.
After a short prayer and a blessing from the monks, the crowd release the lanterns at the same time. It was one of the most beautiful moments I have lived. The sky quickly fills with thousands of khom loi lighting up all the place. No words can describe the feeling experienced.