Ubon Ratchathani Celebrates Annual Candle Festival Until July 17

The province of Ubon Ratchathani is currently holding its annual Candle Festival, which began on July 11, to mark the start of the Buddhist Lent period. The event, which is considered as one of Thailand's most popular, will last until July 17, Sunday.

According to a report by the National News Bureau of Thailand yesterday, the Candle Festival features cultural performances, candle-casting, and candle-making. There will also be celebrations from communities in five different districts.

Today on Asalha Bucha Day, the festival will hold a candle ceremony and contest, as well as a procession of carved candles in the evening and a light and sound show.

For tomorrow, two parades will showcase carved candles and wax displays and will be capped off with another light and sound show, candle offering, and the announcement of winners of the candle contest.

The winning candles will be exhibited from July 14-31 at different temples and attractions of Ubon Ratchathani.

The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival marks the beginning of the three-month Buddhist Lent period. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand back on June 29, it is a long-established tradition in the Northeastern (Isan) city of Ubon Ratchathani and showcases the vibrant culture and heritage of Isan through dance, music, and candles.