Thailand’s Korat Candle Festival: The Grandest Candle Festival in the World!

Thailand’s Korat Candle Festival: The Grandest Candle Festival in the World!

Candle — an important part of most Thai merit making and Thai people are known for using candles to celebrate festivals and events rooting from its diverse and mixed ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds.

Thai Buddhists celebrate the beginning of the Buddhist Lent on the eighth lunar month of every year, which this year falls on 20 July. It will be held this year at the stadium in the middle of the municipality Chokchai District and Mueang Nakhon District.  

Visitors from all over the world can experience the decorated candle parade from many local districts in Nakhon Ratchasima with the beautiful ladies representing for each candle.  

The event also showcases art and cultural procession, candle competition, and religious ceremony.

  The festival is a wonderful display of exquisitely carved at times massive candles that depict the story of the Lord Buddha, the royal projects in honor of His Late Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the many historical attractions of Nakhon Ratchasima.

According to legends, Lord Buddha was traveling and spreading his teachings during those months to retire to retreats during the rainy season. This period was known as ‘vassa’ and was aimed at preventing crop damage during vital growing periods. Monks are traditionally just stayed within their temples for study and adhere strictly to the teachings of the Lord Buddha.

Going to Korat allows everyone to witness some of Thailand’s unique festivals as well as immerse themselves in some delightful local customs that can’t be found elsewhere. Visiting to experience this kind of events is definitely one way to go beyond the traditional attractions and explore distinct customs and traditions in more local destinations around the country.  

If for some reason you needed a ride to go the Korat Candle Festival, we have private transport service that will help you navigate and explore the richness of this festival and that pick you up from your preferred place and back.  Happy travels!