Carved in Wax: Buddhism's Annual Candle Festival in Thailand

THE NATION

THAILAND---Ubon Ratchathani marks the start of the Buddhist Lent retreat with its annual Candle Festival. The month-long festive event, which this year is on the theme "Isaan Art and Culture", brings the finest arts of Isaan to Ubon Ratchathani's public park. The international wax carving competition also adds a foreign shade to the local colour palette, with many international artists showing off their artistic skills. The highlight is on July 22, when more than 100,000 devotees will join a procession of carved candles on floats. A sightseeing tour of the eight candle-making communities is a must. [link]