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).

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

July 1 - 15, 2008
- The 3rd International Wax Sculpture Exhibition 2008
- The Ubon Ratchathani Arts Exhibition Presentations of I-San folk art and culture with a variety of art and craft items created by the local artisans of Ubon Ratchathani being displayed in front of the Ubon Ratchathani National Museum.

July 5, 2008
The Official Opening Ceremony of the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival and the 3rd International Wax Sculpture Exhibition 2008 in front of Wat Sri Ubonrat A mini-light-and-sound parade will relate the story of the ancient tradition of candle-crafting in Ubon Ratchathani province.

July 1 - 17, 2008
Visits to nine selected candle-crafting communities of Ubon Ratchathani

July 17, 2008
Lenten Candle Exhibition around Thung Sri Muang Park

July 18, 2008
The Candle Festival and Candle Parade 2008 Opening Ceremony

Making Merit
Thai Buddhists engage in merit-making as an expression of respect and gratitude by making offerings to Lord Buddha, venerable monks, past and present kings, and to parents, grandparents and their ancestors.

Making merit relates strongly to the concept of rebirth. The accumulation of merit, or bun, is believed to exert a powerful influence on one's future life and, indeed, rebirths.

According to Buddhist teachings, all actions performed in our daily lives affect our field of merit, but none more so than the support of Buddhism itself. When one offers material support to a Buddhist monk ? be it alms in the form of food or donations, or voluntary work ? one is helping to assure that Buddhist teachings live on. This accumulates merit not only for the giver by helping sustain Buddhism. It also provides the opportunity for future generations to make and accumulate merit. In addition to the monk's morning alms round, the presentation of the Lenten candles is also a merit-making act.

Visits to Nine Candle-Crafting Communities of Ubon Ratchathani
July 1 - 17, 2008
Nine of Ubon Ratchathani's candle-crafting communities are noted for their hand-crafted traditional beeswax candles. Gain insight into this ancient artistic tradition and the local culture by visiting the communities and watch artisans at work making ornately sculpted Lenten candles.

Wat Thung Sri Muang community
Wat Phra That Nong Bua community
Wat Manee Wanaram communityb(Wat Pa Noi)
Wat Nong Pla Paak community
Wat Maha Wanaram community (Wat Pa Yai)
Warinchamrab School
Wat Burapha community
Baan Kham Phun Weaving Village
Wat Sri Pra Du community

Lenten Candle Exhibition
17 July, 2008
An exhibition of Lenten Candles at Thung Sri Muang Park featuring crafted candles, moulded candles and ancient candles on the evening of Asalaha Bucha Day. Over 30 lenten candles from various temples will be moved to Thung Sri Muang Park in preparation for the candle procession the next morning. The exhibition of ornately decorated candles which will be illuminated presents a breathtaking spectacle.

The Candle Festival and Candle Parade 2008 Opening Ceremony
July 18, 2008/from 08.00 a.m. onwards
In front of Wat Sri Ubonrat temple
The magnificent Candle Procession will comprise over 30 candle processions, led by the Procession of the Royal Candle. In addition to the crafted or moulded candles and ancient candles crafted by the various communities of Ubon Ratchathani province, nine will be masterpieces created by candle artisans for the 2008 International Wax Sculpture Exhibition. Each procession will be accompanied by local folk performances, dance and music, adding a colourful aspect to the festival.