Festivillian: Music, Art, Culture

The Candle Festival (Khao Phansa) in Thailand is a unique festival held in July coinciding with the 'Vassa' ritual as well as 'Asanha Bucha' (also known as Asanha Puja).

Vassa ritual also known as Buddhist Lent is the time period when the Buddhist monks retreat into their monasteries and confine themselves during the 3 months of the rainy season, whereas Asanha Bucha is held in commemoration of Lord Buddha's first sermon.

The Candle Festival is celebrated throughout Thailand where the spotlight is on the festival celebrated in the North Eastern Province of Ubon Ratchathani as well as Phra Phutthabat district in Saraburi Province.

A special parade takes place as a highlight of the Candle Festival, where large candles are carried through the city center towards the Wat (temple), where they are donated to the monks to use during the 3 month long ritual. The blessings invoked through this donation is said to bring good fortune to the donors.

The parade also includes massive wax sculptures carried on ornate floats, depicting various scenes from the Buddhist and Hindu mythology. These elaborately crafted candles are made of plaster or wood and are later coated with wax.

The day prior to the Asanha Bucha these sizable wax crafts are placed at Tung Sri Muang Park in downtown Ubon Ratchathani, to be decorated and exhibited on the same evening. If you visit the park, you can learn and observe first hand how these intricate sculptures are meticulously created by skilled local artisans.

Mini processions also take place at various temples during the evening while the key procession known as Wan Khao Phansa is held early next morning. These massive crafted candles will not be burned and are only used to add inspiration and charm for the festival.

This spectacular parade of the Candle Festival is accompanied by various dancers along with musicians in traditional costumes, representing their respective institution, where each temple has its own parade.

This is an event not to be missed, especially if you are an art enthusiast or if you are curious to know how intricate wax designs are made.

You can find many Bangkok hotel accommodations such as Bangkok President Solitaire to easily attend the festival. Many Bangkok hotel accommodations offer you modern conveniences and exclusive services and are located close to the shopping and dining hotspots in Bangkok, Thailand.

About the Author:

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.