The Candle Festival, also known as the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, is a vibrant and colorful festival held annually in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. It's considered the most elaborate of its kind in the country .
Dates and Significance
The festival coincides with Asalha Puja (commemorating Buddha's first sermon) and Wan Khao Pansa (marking the beginning of Buddhist Lent), which usually falls in July. This year, the festival will be held from July 17th to 23rd, 2024, with the Candle Float parade as the highlight on July 20th and 21st.
The Celebration
The festival is a beautiful blend of religious merit-making and artistic expression. Traditionally, Buddhists donate candles to their temples to provide light for monks during the rainy season. Ubon Ratchathani takes this tradition to a grand scale, with local temples creating massive and intricate wax sculptures depicting scenes from Buddhist and Hindu mythology, or other elaborate designs.
These giant candle creations, some reaching several meters high, are then mounted on decorated floats and paraded through the streets in a lively procession. The event is accompanied by traditional Thai music and dance performances, making it a truly spectacular cultural experience.
Beyond the Parade
The festival is a two-week-long celebration with various activities happening throughout the city. Visitors can witness the creation of the magnificent candle sculptures at temples, enjoy delicious local food at street vendors, and participate in cultural performances and competitions.