I currently reside in Nakhon Ratchasima, or Korat, in Thailand and one of the wonderful spectacles /festivals you can see is The Candle Festival. Traditionally Held in July it marks the beginning of three months of Buddhist Lent.
Each float will come from it’s own designated Wat/Temple, and is lovingly and with great respect , hand carved. Each year new additions/repairs are made and this is reflected in the differing shades of wax.
During the Korat Candle Festival, visitors are invited to take part and marvel at the many spectacular candles skilfully carved by Nakhon Ratchasima’s local artisans. The carved candles tell the stories of the lives of the Lord Buddha, the activities in honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, as well as the cultural and historical attractions unique to Nakhon Rachasima.
The grand procession of exquisitely-carved candles will be held around the Korat on the 12 July while a smaller scale parade of all carved candles that have entered into the wax candle carving competition will be taking place at the Tao Suranaree Monument. The winner of the most beautifully carved candles will receive the Royal Trophy from Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Throughout the three days, visitors will be mesmerised by the exquisite hand carved candles, spectacular light and sound multimedia presentations as well as rare cultural performances such as Khon Thai masked dance, merit-making caremonies, wax candle carving competition and a photo competition.
This year was poignantly added to with a Boar to represent the 11 football team members that were rescued from the caves in Udon Thani District. Along with miniatures of the boys and their rescuers.
The images in this daytime video were taken the day after the weekend , where the floats are “parked” outside the major shopping malls/Centres . Then people who may not have been able to go to the evening ceremonies, can view them and make merit(donation). The money then goes back to the designated Wats/Temples.
