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Korat
Candle Festival
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) invites
international and local travellers to join the Thai Buddhist community
nationwide in marking the start of this year’s Buddhist Lent from 11 – 13
July.
Legend
has it that when the Lord Buddha was travelling and spreading his
teachings, it was traditional for ascetics to retire to retreats during
the rainy season. This period was known as vassa and was aimed at
preventing crop damage during vital growing periods.
For
modern Buddhist monks, it is a time of retreat and reflection. Buddhist
Lent, or Khao Phansa
as it is known in Thailand, lasts for three months. During this period,
monks stay within their temples for study and adhere strictly to the
teachings of the Lord Buddha.
Local
artisan of Ubon Ratchathani carefully carves the candle for the
province’s most celebrated festival.
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Part
of a colourful procession of many beautifully crafted candles at Surin
Khao Phansa Festival
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Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, TAT Governor said, “To mark
the start of this auspicious period, Buddhist devotees and the Thai
people nationwide organise special celebrations that also reflect local
traditions and beliefs. This gives tourists the chance to really connect
with some of Thailand’s more unique festivals and immerse themselves in
some delightful local customs that can’t be found elsewhere.”
Among some of the more unique celebrations marking
Buddhist Lent in Thailand this year are:
International Wax Candle Festival and
Wax Candle Procession, from 11-14 July at Thung Si Mueang,
Ubon Ratchathani, acts as a showcase for some of the world’s best
examples of candle carving with masterpieces crafted by artists from
Bulgaria, Costa Rica, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain, Ukraine, the United
States of America, and Thailand.
Korat Candle Festival, from 11-13
July at the Tao Suranaree Monument, Nakhon Ratchasima, is a display of
exquisitely carved candles that will depict the story of the Lord Buddha,
the royal projects in honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and
the many historical attractions of Nakhon Ratchasima.
Candle Procession and Elephant Back
Merit Making, from 10-11 July at the Monument of Phaya Surin
Phakdi Sri Narong Changwang, Surin boasts a procession of nearly 100
elaborately-decorated elephants carrying some of the town’s most
highly-revered monks around town in a unique and memorable merit-making
ceremony.
Tak Bat Dok Mai (Floral merit-making)
and Royal Candle Festival, from 11-13 July at Wat Phra
Phutthabat, Khun Khlon sub-district, Saraburi, is a unique festival in
which Buddhists will present Dok
Khao Phansa – traditional yellow and white blooms – to monks
ascending the temple steps to pay respect to the Buddha’s Footprint as
well as wash the monks’ feet as a way of making merit and washing away
sins.
Aquatic Phansa Festival, on 11 July at
Khlong Lat Chado, Phak Hai, Ayutthaya, marks Khao Phansa in a unique way with a long
and colourful procession of boats carrying candles to the temple. There
are also several other activities that reflect the local way of life the
people at the canal-side village of Lat Chado.
Pattaya Candle Festival, from 9-10 July
at Pattaya Beach Road, highlights candle processions that start from
Central Beach Road to the Walking Street as well as a candle carving
competition and candle floating competition – all set to reflect the
local and traditional lifestyle in Pattaya.
Suphan Buri Candle Festival, from 11-13
July at Wat Pa Wat Pa Lelai Woravihara, presents the spectacular
procession of candles around the province’s main town as well as local
folk performances, candle procession competition and candle floating
decoration competition.
The
unique Floral Merit-Making to welcome the Buddhist Lent period of
Saraburi province
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Ubon
Ratchathani’s International Wax Candle Festival and Wax Candle
Procession.
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