Ibrahim Jabbari
July – Ubon Ratchathani
Celebrating the start of Buddhist lent, the Candle Festival is held within the Northeast regions of Thailand, and is renowned for being one of the most beautiful and spectacular festivals in the country. Marking the beginning of the rainy season, where buddhist monks retreat into the temples for three months of reflection, for this quarter of the year there is no electricity within the province, and as such candles are placed around the temple to give warmth, heat and comfort to the monks within.
In order to light the way for the monks, the candles themselves are large and often scale at least two metres tall. Built in Wat Chayaporn, and covered in stunning intricate patterns, these wax artworks are balanced in wax Buddhist lotus flowers and paraded through the region of Ubon Ratchathani in celebration. Held in regard as some of the most beautiful candles in the world, since 1927, a candle competition has been the highlight of the program for many. Once judged all of the candles are then displayed during an eclectic and colourful parade, where everyone celebrates to the beat of Northeastern traditional dance and music.
A hallmark event that’s guaranteed to take your breath away, this festival is culturally rich and burns brighter than the sun.
