Candle procession for Buddhist Lent | Ubon Ratchathani

Candle Procession for Buddhist Lent | Ubon Ratchathani

The candle procession tradition in Ubon Ratchathani Province is a great tradition of the province for a long time. It has been held continuously for more than 124 years. All sectors of the province support the making of candles throughout the month before the Buddhist Lent. Beeswax is used to make candles. In the past, small candles were tied together to make a large candle and presented to the temple. Gathering candles together in a group shows unity among the group.

Later, candle making began to develop by adding carving. Beeswax is used to cast large candles. Then, craftsmen will carve them into various beautiful patterns, especially traditional Isan patterns.

Then in 1901, Krom Luang Saraphasitthiprasong, the royal governor of King Rama V who came to rule the provinces of the Isan region and resided in Ubon Ratchathani, thought of organizing the first candle procession around the city on July 20, 1901. This is because in the early days, there was no candle contest, but the villagers would spread rumors that The candles of that temple are beautiful, the candles of this temple are beautiful, making it clear that there should be a candle festival contest and a parade around the city before being presented to the monks at the temple.

In 1940, in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Mr. Pho Song Sri started making cement molds to cast wax into Thai patterns to decorate and print on the candles. This was the first time that a common craftsman made carved candles. Mr. Suan Khunphon also made embossed patterns alternating with different colors to enter the candle festival contest and won.

Then, after 1968, Mr. Utsa and Mr. Samai Saengwichit started making large candle festivals, making puppets and stories, which is the characteristic of large candle festivals, and it became the candle festival as seen today.

Nowadays, candle trees are assembled into a candle festival procession, which is 10-15 meters long and about 6 meters high. They are transported by trailer trucks. Most of the candle festival decorations have illustrations made of the same candles, such as Narayana riding a garuda or something else. Each year, it is different. On the side, there will be a picture carved with candles, which will tell the story of the life of the Buddha. This candle procession is a grand event of Ubon Ratchathani since 1977.

Information from: traveltrueid

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Post by TAYWONCHOI | Jul 13, 2025