August 2023 promises to be another eventful month in Thailand with a line-up of exciting events including the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2023, Phetchaburi Creative City of Gastronomy, Amazing Muay Thai Experience, Amazing Thai Taste@Udon, and a number of marathons and runs, as well as two Buddhist holidays – Asanha Bucha Day on 1 August and Khao Phansa or Buddhist Lent Day on 2 August.
Asanha Bucha Day
1 August 2023Nationwide
Asanha Bucha Day commemorates the occasion over 2,500 years ago on which the Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, the Four Noble Truths considered the foundation of all Buddhist philosophy, to five ascetics (monks). Also known as Dharma Day, it takes place on the full moon day of the eighth lunar month which in 2023 is on 1 August.
On Asanha Bucha Day, Buddhists will go to the temple to listen to sermons on the Buddha’s teachings or Dharma, to perform merit-making and participate in evening candlelit ceremonies. This includes a ‘Wien Tien’ procession in which they hold lighted candles in hand and walk around a temple’s main chapel three times, representing one the Buddha, two his teachings, and three the monkhood. Asanha Bucha Day is also a traditional day for young Thai males to be ordained.
Khao Phansa or Buddhist Lent Day
2 August 2023Nationwide
Khao Phansa or Buddhist Lent Day takes place the day after the full moon of the eighth lunar month – or Asanha Bucha Day – and marks the start of the rainy season and the time at which monks will retreat to their temples for a three-month period of study and meditation. This retreat is based on an edict of Lord Buddha issued to ensure monks did not damage crops or accidentally stand on insects hidden in the floodwaters.
At the centre of the popular Khao Phansa festival are elaborately carved candles which are shown off in local parades on their way to temples that boast a fascinating blend of artistry, fun and festivities with folk dances, sound and light performances, and local crafts on display. This reflects the traditional practice of candles being donated to temples so that monks could continue their studying into the evening.
Here are some of the colourful Asanha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa celebrations taking place around Thailand in August:
World’s Only Wien Tien Ceremony on Water, Phayao Lake
Wat Tilok Aram, Phayao
The Wien Tien or candlelight procession on water at Wat Tilok Aram takes place three times a year on the Buddhist holidays of Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, and Asanha Bucha Day. Here, the Wien Tien where Buddhist devotees hold lighted candles in hand and go around a temple’s main chapel three times is done on water, making it the only place in the world to have this ceremony. This is because Wat Tilok Aram was built in the water, in the island at the centre of Phayao Lake.
This year however, with the water level of Phayao Lake having dropped, the candlelight procession will take place on land at Wat Tilok Aram. Visitors wanting to see the event up close can book seats on boats that will transfer to the island at 18.00 Hrs. on 1 August from Wat Tilok Aram pier. This must be done beforehand online at https://forms.gle/oS553XvTohVMmdac7 and tickets must be collected from Wat Tilok Aram pier between 15.00-17.00 Hrs. on 1 August.
Ayutthaya Aquatic Phansa Festival
1 August 2023Khlong Lat Chado (Lat Chado River), Ayutthaya
This colourful celebration by the people of Ban Lat Chado in Ayutthaya’s Phak Hai District sees candles transported by boats decorated with flowers along the ancient Khlong Lat Chado, for a distance of around 4 kilometres. The event is full of culture and heritage, with the boat procession and a boat parade scheduled to take place from 09.00-12.00 Hrs. Visitors can also take a walk around Lat Chado market, and try some of the delicious local food.
Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival 2023
30 July-2 August 2023Thung Sri Mueang, Ubon Ratchathani
The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival is a longstanding tradition in this Northeastern (Isan) city and is full of local culture and heritage. Activities include a Wien Tien procession on Asanha Bucha Day on 1 August, light and sound display and Khao Phansa candle procession and competition on 1-2 August, and the presentation of candles to temples on 2 August. From around mid-July up to the festival itself, the making of the intricate candles can be seen at local villages, and following the festival they will be on display at temples until 31 August. From 30 July-3 August there will also be streets lit up with candle decorations, and OTOP product sales.
Tak Baht Dok Mai Khao Phansa
31 July-2 August 2023Wat Phra Phutthabat, Saraburi
This traditional merit-making ceremony involves the giving to monks of white Khao-Phansa flowers and is held annually on Khao Phansa or Buddhist Lent Day. Activities include a traditional candle offering ceremony at the ‘Ubosot’ or ordination hall in Wat Phra Phutthabat, cultural and ethnic processions, an exhibition on Buddhist Lent flowers, shopping, and OTOP product showcase.
Korat Candle Procession Festival
1-4 August 2023Thao Suranari (Ya Mo) Monument courtyard, Nakhon Ratchasima
This year’s Korat Candle Procession Festival is conceptualised as a carnival-style show taking place in the street with an amphitheatre for viewing. A candle procession will feature elaborately crafted candles from Wat Nok and Wat Mai Sra Pathum temples in Chok Chai District, from Wat Derm, Wat Mai Pratu Chai, Wat Old Pratu Chai, and Wat Sra Pleng in Phimai District, and art teams from Mueang district such as Wat Pa Phithak Tham and Wat Muang temples.
Prakhon Chai Candle Procession Festival
2-3 August 2023Prakhon Chai Subdistrict Municipality Courtyard, Buri Ram
On 2 August there is a candle procession and mini concert by Thai artist Lumplearn Wongsakorn Yawararat, and pong lang (Isan musical instrument) performance. On 3 August is a cultural and music performance, Miss Beauty candle contest, and people’s choice candle contest.
*Tourism Authority of Thailand, 1600 New Phetchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi, Bangkok 1040
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