Khao Phansa and the Ubon Ratchatani Candle Festival

Khao Phansa or the Buddhist Lent is the time of the year when all Buddhist monks must stay in their temples. The festival is determined by the day of the full moon of the eighth lunar month. It marks the preaching of Lord Buddha’s first sermon to his first five disciples over 2,500 years ago.

That day is known as Asalha Puja and this year it will be 4th July. The festival is celebrated with an impressive candle procession and devotees walking around the inside of the temple, three times in an anti-clockwise direction. The most famous city to witness this festival is Ubon Ratchatani “City of Lotus” known for its natural beauty. Here visitors can witness the skills of local artisans in a highly spirited procession of elaborately carved bees wax candles to Choler Parakeet Court.

On 6th July, the start of Buddhist Lent, the opening ceremony is held at the Sala Klang, the provincial center. The candle procession starts out from Upraj Road finishing at Chayangakul Road. Admission is free to all event activities however to be sure of a good view of the candle procession a special seating area is available costing Baht 200 per person.

This is also regarded as an auspicious time for Buddhist ordinations as it marks a period of renewed spiritual vigour.