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THE GRAND CANDLE FESTIVAL AND
INTERNATIONAL CANDLE CARVING COMPETITION
Ubon Ratchathani
July 1-11, 2006 |
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PROGRAMME
Please click to view
The Significance of Crafted Candles as
Buddhist Lent Merit-Making Offerings
As the seasonal monsoon rains descend over the kingdom, it marks the beginning of the Buddhist "rain retreat" and the Buddhist Lent, or "Phansa", during which all Buddhist monks retreat to the temples. This is also an auspicious time for Buddhist ordinations as it marks a period of spiritual renewal.
Known as "Khao Phansa", the Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). In former times, this is done to prevent monks from trampling upon rice paddies when they venture out to receive offerings from the villagers.
Villagers thus actively engage in merit-making during the Buddhist Lent, visiting temples to make offerings of food and items for daily use. The presentation of items that provide light, such as candles, lanterns and lamp oil, is deemed to be particularly important as these facilitate the study of holy scriptures and meditation by providing illumination to the monks, physically and spiritually.
Buddhism, Buddhist traditions and beliefs are central forces that shape the local way of life. Various festivals of religious origin have been observed for generations and have evolved into full-scale festivals featured in the Buddhist calendar and the kingdom's official calendar of festivals and events. The Candle Festival of Ubon Ratchathani province features a procession of ornately-carved traditional beeswax candles of various shapes and sizes.
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FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
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VISITS TO CANDLE-CRAFTING COMMUNITIES OF UBON RATCHATHANI
June 15 onwards
- Wat Thung Sri Muang community
- Wat Bupharam community
- Wat Sri Pra Ku community
- Wat That Nong Bua community
- Wat Nong Pla Paak community
- Prathum Vittayakarn School
(Nong Katok)
- Baan Kum Pun Weaving Village (July 9 – 11)
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These seven specially selected candle-making temple communities are noted for their hand-crafted traditional beeswax candles. Visits to each will provide interesting insights into an ancient artistic tradition and local culture. Watch the local artisans meticulously at work in a natural setting.
Candles featured in the Buddhist Lentern candle procession generally consist of crafted candles, moulded candles and ancient candles. The candle-crafting tool set consists of knives, chisels, metal hooks of various shapes and sizes and paint brushes. The process of moulding candles is similar to the crafting process except the candle-maker initially casts smaller-sized candles which he or she then moulds together into a larger beeswax candle structure. Superior quality beeswax is used to mould candles and only the very finest quality beeswax is used for crafting ornamental candles.
Trip cost: 100 baht per person |
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INTERNATIONAL CANDLE-CARVING COMPETITION
July 1- 9, 09.00 – 18.00
Candle artisans representing nine countries from around the world — namely North America, India, Mexico, Portugal, Italy, Luxembourg, France, South Korea and host country, Thailand — will be taking part in the 2006 International Candle-Carving Competition. All are distinguished members of the international guild of candle artisans. As part of the Grand Celebrations being held to mark the auspicious occasion of the Sixtieth Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne, each will be crafting a masterpiece, in golden-yellow beeswax, in honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. |
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CANDLE EXHIBITION
An exhibition of Lenten Candles at Thung Sri Muang Park featuring crafted candles, moulded candles and ancient candles.
CANDLE CRAFTING
The beeswax candles of Ubon Ratchathani province generally fall into one of four types — candles on a square structure or Mondop, a beeswax castle or Prasat pueng, candles that form a cone-shaped structure called Poom and candles that are tied together, Mat Ruam.
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Mandapa-shaped Candles (Mondop)
A mondop or mandapa is a structural form with a square base and a spired or pyramidal roof. Mondop candles are used as a receptacle to hold sacred offerings which are brought to temples during the ‘kathin’ season when monk robes are presented as offerings. Mandapa-shaped candles are used only for worship; they are not lit. |
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Beeswax Candle Castle (Prasat Pueng)
The beeswax candle castle is one of the elements of Buddhist merit-making rituals. These are also used in ancestor worship rituals to dedicate merit to ancestors. The beeswax ‘castle’ is also sometimes featured in propitiation rituals. However the use of the trunk of a banana tree, parts of which are folded into triangular-shapes, is preferred. Taro, turnip or sweet potato are sometimes carved into the floral shapes and dipped into heated beeswax, left to dry and used to decorate the banana tree. |
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Cone-Shaped (Poom)
Smaller candles are bonded together to form a cone-shaped structure. They serve a decorative purpose and are used to adorn the main candle. These are then presented as merit-making offerings. |
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Candles that are tied together (Mat Ruam)
Smaller candles are simply tied together into a bunch before they are presented as merit-making offerings. The cone-shaped poom and mat ruam candles are similar. Both reflect the ingenuity of villagers in creating a variety of ways to adorn their candle offerings. |
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THE ROYAL CHALERM PHRA KIAT CANDLE
The magnificent Royal Chalerm Phra Kiat Candle is being specially-crafted to mark the auspicious occasion of the Sixtieth Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne and reflects a blend of local folk wisdom and national artistic flair.
The ornately-carved Chalerm Phra Kiat Candle consists of four key elements:
- A lotus patterned oval pool, four metres in width and one metre deep.
- A junk-shaped structure with a seven-headed Naga, King of Serpents, on the bow
- Carved images inspired tales of the journey of Mahajanaka, a literary work of art authored by His Majesty the King
- The candle itself has five components.
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The third base is swan-shaped, symbolising the greatness of the Thai king whose determination leads him to be reincarnated as a Boddhisattva, a being who voluntarily stops short of reaching Nirvana (nibbana in Sanskrit) in order to help humanity. This is also a stage of development of a Buddha before attaining enlightenment, including his previous lives. |
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The second base features the Garuda.
According to ancient folk belief, the Hindu god, Vishnu, manifests himself on earth in a variety of incarnations, or avatars. Rama is one of the earthly incarnations of Vishnu (Narai). One of the many roles assumed by Siamese kings through the centuries is that of ‘Devaraja’ — the ‘Divine King’. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is King Rama IX. Garuda — the mythical bird-man is Vishnu’s vehicle. |
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The first base is built in the shape of a stylised lotus petal, the floral icon, symbolic of Ubon Ratchathani province. |
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The body, constructed in the I-San architectural style, depicts a scene of the incarnation |
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The spire, depicting the Ubon Ratchathani architectural style, replicates the stupa at Wat Phra That Suan Taan temple, Khueang Nai district. |
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THE GRAND CANDLE PROCESSION
The magnificent Grand Candle Procession will comprise 20 different candle processions, led by the Procession of the Royal Candle. Processions of 69 Lenten candles follow. Sixty of the candles are crafted or moulded candles and ancient candles crafted by the various communities of Ubon Ratchathani province. Nine are masterpieces created by candle artisans in the International Candle-Carving Competition. Presentations of I-San folk culture by some 2,000 performers add a colourful aspect to the festival. |
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Youth Candle Carving Contests and Provincial Candle Carving Contests will also be held in separate categories as part of the Ubon Ratchathani Grand Candle Festival. |
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Presentations of I-San folk art and culture |
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OTOP FAIR
Each of the sub-districts or tambon of Ubon Ratchathani province are famous for locally grown or hand-crafted products considered to be unique to the area. These are brought together at the One Tambon One Product or OTOP Fair, offering a convenient opportunity for one-stop shopping for a vast range of souvenirs and local products. |
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MEKONG FOOD FAIR
with delicacies from countries bordering the Mekong River |
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VISIT TO BAAN KUM PAN WEAVING VILLAGE
Open House and Cultural activities
Baan Kum Pun weaving village in the Warin Chamrap district of Ubon Ratchathani is famous for its ancient textiles and hand-crafted traditional textiles with patterns and remarkable qualities that are entirely unique to the village. Browse the exhibits on display and enjoy weaving demonstrations. |
Activities
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June 15 – July 9
Ubon Ratchathani City Tour
A half-day tour of places of interest around Ubon Ratchathani municipality are being offered every weekend (Saturday and Sunday). Trips depart from the Kanchanpisek Hall, Rajabhat University of Ubon Ratchathani. 199 baht per person. |
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June 29 – July 11
Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani Travel Packages
The programme features Grand Candle Festival highlights, a tour of key attractions around Ubon Ratchathani and participation in merit-making and other activities associated with Buddhist traditions, rituals and ceremonies performed during the Buddhist Lent or Khao Pansa.
The Glorious Temples of Ubon Ratchathani
Visits to temples in Ubon Ratchathani to pay respects, participate in Dhamma practice and Wien Tien candle-lit procession on the Buddhist Holy Day of Asalaha Bucha on the fifteenth night of the full moon during the eighth month of the Buddhist Lunar calendar which falls on July 10 this year.
During ‘wien tien’, worshippers participate in a Buddhist candle-lit procession around the ubosoth, the principle Buddhist chapel of the temple and ordination hall. Each clasps three incense sticks, a lit candle and lotus buds, and circles around the ubosoth in a clockwise direction, three times. |
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July 11
Khao Pansa (Buddhist Lent) Merit-making
at various temples around Ubon Ratchathani |
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PROGRAMME
| JULY 3 |
| 09.00 – 18.00 |
International Candle-Carving Competition |
Rajabhat University of Ubon Ratchathani, Convention Hall |
| 09.00 – 19.00 |
The Candle Moulding-Hearts Moulding Ceremony |
Thung Sri Muang Park |
| 09.00 – 16.00 |
Visit communities where hand-crafted candles are made |
7 participating communities |
| 10.00 – 22.00 |
OTOP Sales One Tambon One Product Fair featuring local products and merchandise from various sub-district of Ubon Ratchathani province |
In front of the city hall |
| 15.00 – 17.00 |
Dhamma worship |
At the four-gabled pavilion, Thung Sri Muang Park |
| 16.30 – 17.30 |
Procession of the Royal Candle |
City Hall – Central Park |
| JULY 4 – 9 |
| 09.00 – 18.00 |
International Candle-Carving Competition |
Rajabhat University of Ubon Ratchathani, Convention Hall |
| 09.00 – 19.00 |
The Candle Moulding-Hearts Moulding Ceremony |
Thung Sri Muang Park |
| 09.00 – 16.00 |
Visit communities where hand-crafted candles are made |
7 participating communities |
| 10.00 – 22.00 |
OTOP Sales One Tambon One Product Fair featuring local products and merchandise from various sub-district of Ubon Ratchathani province |
In front of the city hall |
| 15.00 – 17.00 |
Dhamma worship |
At the four-gabled pavilion, Thung Sri Muang Park |
| JULY 10 |
| 09.00 – 18.00 |
International Candle-Carving Competition |
Rajabhat University of Ubon Ratchathani, Convention Hall |
| 09.00 – 19.00 |
The Candle Moulding-Hearts Moulding Ceremony |
Thung Sri Muang Park |
| 09.00 – 16.00 |
Visit communities where hand-crafted candles are made |
7 participating communities |
| 10.00 – 22.00 |
OTOP Sales One Tambon One Product Fair featuring local products and merchandise from various sub-district of Ubon Ratchathani province |
In front of the city hall |
| 15.00 – 17.00 |
Dhamma worship |
At the four-gabled pavilion, Thung Sri Muang Park |
| 18.00 |
An exhibition of ornately-carved Buddhist Lenten candles |
Thung Sri Muang Park |
| 19.00 – 22.00 |
Wien Tien Buddhist Ritual |
At the four-gabled pavilion, Thung Sri Muang Park |
| 19.00 – 21.00 |
Light-and-sound show |
Thung Sri Muang Park |
| JULY 11 |
| 08.30 – 12.00 |
Opening ceremony for the Buddhist Lenten Candle Procession |
The procession assembles in front of Ubon municipality |
| 09.00 – 16.00 |
Visit communities where ornamental hand-crafted candles are made |
7 participating communities |
| 10.00 – 22.00 |
OTOP Sales One Tambon One Product Fair featuring local products and merchandise from various sub-district of Ubon Ratchathani province |
In front of the city hall |
| 11.00 – 12.00 |
The offering of the Royal Candle |
Mahawanaram Temple |
| 12.00 – 22.00 |
An exhibition of ornately-carved Buddhist Lenten Candles |
Thung Sri Muang Park |
| 19.00 – 21.00 |
Light-and-sound show |
Thung Sri Muang Park |
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GRAND CANDLE FESTIVAL
VISITS TO CANDLE-CRAFTING COMMUNITIES OF UBON RATCHATHANI
- Wat Thung Sri Muang community
- Wat Bupharam community
- Wat Sri Pra Ku community
- Wat Phra That Nong Bua community
- Wat Nong Pla Paak community
- Prathum Vittayakarn School (Nong Katok)
- Baan Kum Pun Weaving Village (July 9 – 11)
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Date of Visit |
Time |
PACKAGE |
June 24 (Saturday) |
13.00 – 17.00 |
Candle A |
June 25 (Sunday) |
13.00 – 17.00 |
Candle B |
July 1 (Saturday) |
08.00 – 12.30 |
Candle Special A |
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13.00 – 17.00 |
Candle Special B |
July 2 (Sunday) |
08.00 – 12.30 |
Candle Special A |
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13.00 – 17.00 |
Candle Special B |
July 8 (Saturday) |
08.00 – 12.30 |
Candle Special A |
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13.00 – 17.00 |
Candle Special B |
July 9 (Sunday) |
08.00 – 12.30 |
Candle Special A |
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13.00 – 17.00 |
Candle Special B1** |
199 Baht per person.
*For the Candle Special B1 package, please add an additional 100 baht entrance fee for the visit to Baan Kum Puun Weaving Village
A maximum of 30 persons per group. The organizers reserve the right to cancel scheduled trips if there are less than 20 persons in the group. However alternative transportation will be arranged. |
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Candle A
Rajabhat University of Ubon Ratchathani, Kanchanapisek Art and Culture Centre/Convention Hall — Wat Phra That Nong Bua community — Wat Nong Pla Paak community — Wat Baan Na Muang (Sraprasarnsuk) |
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Candle B
Rajabhat University of Ubon Ratchathani, Kanchanapisek Art and Culture Centre/Convention Hall — Wat Sri Pra Ku community — Wat Sri Ubon Rattanaram — Wat Thung Sri Muang community — Prathum Vittayakarn School |
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Candle Special A
Rajabhat University of Ubon Ratchathani, Kanchanapisek Art and Culture Centre/Convention Hall — Wat Phra That Nong Bua community — Wat Nong Pla Paak community — Wat Baan Na Muang (Sraprasarnsuk) — Wat Burapha —
Wat Tai Toeng |
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Candle Special B
Rajabhat University of Ubon Ratchathani, Kanchanapisek Art and Culture Centre/Convention Hall — Wat Supatanaram — Wat Thung Sri Muang —
Wat Sri Ubon Rattanaram — Wat Sri Pra Ku — Prathum Vittayakarn School |
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Candle Special B1
Rajabhat University of Ubon Ratchathani, Kanchanapisek Art and Culture Centre/Convention Hall — Wat Supatanaram — Baan Kum Puun Weaving Village** — Wat Sri Ubon Rattanaram — Wat Sri Pra Ku — Wat Thung Sri Muang |
Contact information:
TAT Northeastern Office: Region 2
Areas of responsibility: the provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Amnat Charoen,
Si Sa Ket and Yasothon
Tel: 045 243770, 250714
Fax: 045 243771
E-mail: tatubon@tat.or.th
JULY 10 – 11, 2006
NAKHON RATCHASIMA CANDLE FESTIVAL
Please click to view
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IMPORTANT
Event dates and programme details may be subject to change.
Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand's official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.
Contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Email: info@tat.or.th
Website: www.tat.or.th
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines)
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)
FOR EVENT INFORMATION,
please call 1672.
Address:
1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee
Bangkok 10400
Thailand |
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