From July 11 to 16, 2024, the province of Ubon Ratchathani (Northeast Thailand) hosted the annual Candle Festival — one of the country’s most visually stunning and spiritually significant events. The festival marks the beginning of Khao Phansa, the Buddhist Lent, which fell on July 20, 2024. In 2025, Khao Phansa will be on July 5.
What Is Khao Phansa?
Khao Phansa is the start of a three-month Buddhist retreat during the rainy season (July–October). Monks retreat to temples, dedicating themselves to meditation, scripture study, and spiritual development. They typically remain within temple grounds, except for morning alms rounds.
During this period, devout Thais:
- Limit alcohol and entertainment
- Regularly visit temples
- Make offerings (tham bun)
- Observe Eight Precepts on holy days
The Candle Festival: Heart of the Celebration
The Ubon Ratchathani festival is the centerpiece of Khao Phansa. It includes:
- Religious ceremonies at major temples
- Exhibitions of candles and wax sculptures
- Traditional music and dance
- Nighttime processions with torches
The Grand Candle Parade
The highlight is the candle parade along Thung Si Mueang Road, starting at Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram and drawing tens of thousands of spectators.
Participants include:
- Mobile floats with giant wax sculptures (up to 10 meters tall)
- Traditional musicians (ponglang, khong wong)
- Dancers in costumes depicting deities and demons
- Temple delegations with candles, flowers, and Buddhist flags
Candles are handcrafted from beeswax and soy wax, intricately carved with scenes from the Buddha’s life, mythological beings, and traditional patterns.
Regional Celebrations
Smaller candle festivals are held in other provinces:
- Khon Kaen (Korat) — candle displays at temples
- Suphan Buri — local candle-making contests
- Pattaya — small procession at Wat Khao Nong Phra
Is There an International Competition?
As of March 2025, there is no official international wax sculpture contest in Ubon Ratchathani. All participants are Thai artisans, temple groups, and art schools. While there have been experimental collaborations with artists from Laos and Cambodia, participation from Europe, the US, or CIS countries is unconfirmed.
However, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is exploring the possibility of making the festival an international event by 2027.
Conclusion
The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival is a unique blend of religion, art, and folk tradition. It attracts global visitors and remains a symbol of the region’s spiritual life. While rumors of an international competition are exaggerated, the festival itself is one of Thailand’s most impressive events, reflecting deep respect for Buddhist heritage.
Sources:
— Ministry of Culture, Thailand: «Khao Phansa Festival 2024»
— Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT): «Ubon Candle Festival Highlights»
— Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Office: Official 2024 Festival Program
— Bangkok Post: «Candle Festival Lights Up Ubon», July 21, 2024
— The Nation: «Spiritual Art of Thai Candle Making»
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