While candlelight processions are not uncommon for Buddhist holidays, this one is the one where candles take the center stage. While the celebration of Asanha Puja to commemorate the Buddhas first sermon is carried out throughout the kingdom, it’s in Ubon Ratchathani that the event is most spectacular. Visitors during this period have a number of celebrations to attend and join in, beginning several days before the main event when the locals work on crafting their candles. On the days of the celebration, events and activities include alms-giving for Asalha Puja and the Khao Phansa Buddhist ceremony, a parade of the candles which are then showcased in the city park before being moved to nearby temples, and finally the ceremony of welcoming His Majesty the King’s royal candle and the international candle-carving competition featuring candles from various countries. Visitors can also taste “Pha Khao Laeng”, a local food especially prepared for tourists. In addition to candles, however, the locals of Ubon Ratchathani have evolved the ceremony to include wax sculptures that are now top attractions for visitors
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