Asanha Bucha and Khao Phansa: The Candle Festival 2024
Asanha Bucha and Khao Phansa are two Buddhist religious holidays celebrated on July 20 and 21. These ceremonies mark the beginning of the Buddhist Lent in Thailand.
Every year during the full moon of the eighth lunar month, Thai people celebrate Asanha Bucha, the anniversary of Buddha’s first sermon to his first five disciples, followed by Khao Phansa, the first day of Buddhist Lent.
These two days are public holidays. This year, Asanha Bucha and Khao Phansa fall on July 20 and 21, 2024.
Asanha Bucha and Khao Phansa are sacred days, so alcohol sales are prohibited during the ceremonies.
Asanha Bucha and Khao Phansa in Thailand
Asanha Bucha and Khao Phansa are very important religious holidays in Thailand. They mark the start of the rainy season and the monks’ retreat into the temples, or at least their need to stay around the temples.
This retreat is a time for meditation, learning, and transmitting sacred texts. Another practical reason for this retreat was that during the rainy season, it was much harder to travel and avoid damaging crops. With the quest for food reduced, devotees would bring offerings such as food and candles to the temples.
From Ceremony to Candle Festival
Over time, the offering of candles evolved into processions honoring Buddha and the elders. Simple candles have been replaced by colossal, artistically sculpted candles. In recent years, several cities in Thailand have begun hosting candle festivals.
The famous Ubon Ratchathani Festival in Isaan has become the most renowned over the past 35 years. This year, sculptors from various countries will participate in the competition held at Thung Si Mueang Park.
Another notable festival is in Surin, where richly decorated elephants carry renowned monks.
In Korat, massive candles are displayed, similar to those in Nakhon Ratchasima.
The candle festival is celebrated throughout the country. In many cities, there are simple temple processions, prayers, and candle offerings. This simplicity allows for small temples to be lit by candles and lanterns, creating a warm atmosphere.
Buddhist Lent lasts for three months, ending on Ork Phansa, which literally means “leaving the retreat at the end of the rainy season.”
