Mrs.
Juthaporn Rerngronasa
The
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting travellers and visitors
from around the world to join the Thai people in marking the start of
this year’s three-month Buddhist Lent period or Khao Phansa.
Khao Phansa falls on the first day after the full moon of the eight
lunar month, or on 31 July this year.
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. During this time, monks stay within their temples for
study and adhere strictly to the teachings of the Lord Buddha.
Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT Acting
Governor and Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa,
Middle East and Americas) said, “As usual, the annual Khao Phansa
celebrations truly reflect the local traditions and strong beliefs in
Buddhism of the Thai people.
"TAT cordially invites all tourists and
travellers to witness some of Thailand’s unique festivals as well as
immerse themselves in some delightful local customs that can’t be found
elsewhere.
"In line with our ‘2015 Discover Thainess’ campaign, TAT is
encouraging tourists and travellers to go beyond the traditional
attractions and explore distinct customs and traditions in more local
destinations; such as, the 12 hidden gems.”
Among some of the more unique
celebrations marking Buddhist Lent in Thailand in 2015 include:
International
Wax Candle Festival and Wax Candle Procession, Ubon Ratchathani
International Wax Candle
Festival and Wax Candle Procession, from 15-31 July at
Thung Si Mueang, Ubon Ratchathani, which acts as a showcase for the 9th international
Wax Carving Competition.
During Khao Phansa, from 30-31 July, the event
will feature a spectacular parade of ornately-carved wax castles around
the city, merit-making activities and light-and-sound presentation at
night.
Nakhon Phanom Candle
Festival, from 31 July – 1 August, Wat Phra That Phanom will be
the venue for a colourful procession of exquisitely-carved candles, Miss
Candle Beauty Contest, classical dancing, a mass merit-making ceremony,
and the chance to pay homage to the highly-respected Phra That Phanom.
Candle Procession and
Elephant Back Merit Making, from 29-30 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 city’s most highly-revered monks around Surin in a unique and
memorable merit-making ceremony.
Korat Candle Procession
Festival 2015, from 30 July – 1 August at the Tao
Suranaree Monument, Nakhon Ratchasima, is a display of exquisitely carved
candles, candle procession and numerous merit-making
activities.
Ahead of the province’s grand celebration, Phimai and
Chokchai districts will hold the candle festivals to mark the start of
the Buddhist Lent on 29 July.
Korat Candle
Procession Festival
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Exquisitely-carved
candles are paraded around the town.
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Tak Bat Dok Mai (Floral
Merit-making) and Royal Candle Festival,
from 29-31 July at Wat Phra Phutthabat, 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.
Suphan Buri Candle
Festival, from 30 July – 1 August at Wat Pa Lelai Woravihara,
presents the colourful parade of beautifully-carved candles accompanied
by folk performances of ethnic groups, a candle competition, displays of
crafted candles and exquisitely-decorated floral floats as well as
impressive performing arts.
Candle Festival
at Saraburi
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Tak Bat Dok Mai
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