Thailand Festivals & Events

July 1 - 31, 2008
At Thung Sri Muang Park and Ubon Ratchathani National Muesum

UBON RATCHATHANI CANDLE FESTIVAL 2008 &
THE 3RD INTERNATIONAL WAX SCULPTURE EXHIBITION 2008

Asalaha Bucha Day
Asalaha Bucha Day marks the anniversary of the day Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his first five disciples at the Deer Park in Benares more than 2500 years ago. It also marks the coming into existence of the Triple Gems, namely Lord Buddha, His Teachings, and His Disciples, and is therefore considered to be a sacred day in Buddhism. Asalaha Bucha Day falls on the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eighth lunar month (July), and precedes the Buddhist Lent, which starts on the first day of the waning moon. To observe this auspicious day, Buddhists perform merit-making tasks such as visiting temples to make offerings to the monks and to listen to sermons to purify their minds. The Buddhist precepts, or sila, are observed.

The Candle Festival and Candle Parade 2008 Opening Ceremony
July 18, 2008/from 08.00 a.m. onwards
In front of Wat Sri Ubonrat temple
The magnificent Candle Procession will comprise over 30 candle processions, led by the Procession of the Royal Candle. In addition to the crafted or moulded candles and ancient candles crafted by the various communities of Ubon Ratchathani province, nine will be masterpieces created by candle artisans for the 2008 International Wax Sculpture Exhibition. Each procession will be accompanied by local folk performances, dance and music, adding a colourful aspect to the festival.

Contact information:
TAT Northeastern Office: Region 2
Tel: +66 (0) 4524 3770
Fax: +66 (0) 4524 3771
E-mail: tatubon@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tatubon.org