top

THE CANDLE FESTIVAL

The rain retreat is marked by two major religious events : one for the entering of the rainy season called "WAN KHAO PHANSA" (วันเข้าพรรษา) and for the exit of the rainy season called "WAN OK PHANSA" (วันออกพรรษา). The rain retreat season lasts three months.

Wax candle procession
"WAN KHAO PHANSA" is a religious feast and a public holiday. The religion feast is described in the "Buddhist ceremonies" section. Wax candle processions take place everywhere in Thailand.
Wax candle procession
During wax candle procession, cars carry huge wax candles. The cars travel through the temple neighborhood and then end in the temple compound.
Wax candle procession
Wax candle procession

The wax candle procession ("PHITI HAE PRASAT PEUNG" - พิธีแห่ปราสาทผึ้ง) in Ubon Ratchatani is the most famous wax candle procession in Thailand. There is a night and day parad of huge wax candles.

Wax candle procession
The huge candles are offered to the temple. Those wax candles are big enough to last three months during the rain retreat season.
Wax candle procession
In some Thai cities, there is even a wax candle parade. Each temple neighbourhood embellishes a car with wax candles, religious symbols and then parades through the city.
Wax candle procession
Wax candle procession
Wax candle procession
Between each car, there is a dancing interlude performed by youngsters.
Wax candle procession
During candle wax procession, dancers execute Thai traditional dances.
Wax candle procession
Dancers


Click to see more pictures
about Candle Wax procession






Home > Culture > Thai Calendar > The candle festival
Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Page 5 | Page 6
Bottom