korat candle festival procession 2009

Korat Candle Festival Procession: Photos and Guide

BySebastien
Korat Candle Festival procession parade, Nakhon Ratchasima 2009
The Korat Candle Festival parade through the city centre, July 2009.

Korat Candle Festival: Our 2009 Photos

Every July at the start of Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent), Nakhon Ratchasima hosts its Candle Festival procession, one of the most spectacular annual events in Isaan. The tradition originated in Ubon Ratchathani and spread across the northeast. Korat’s version draws tens of thousands of spectators over two days of ceremonies, parades, and carved-wax floats.

Buddhist ceremony at Korat Candle Festival, July 2009
Buddhist prayers and offerings in front of The Mall on July 7, 2009, the religious prelude to the main parade.

The first evening features Buddhist preaching, prayers, and offerings. The second day brings the main procession: enormous floats decorated with intricately carved beeswax candles, dancers in traditional Isaan costume, marching bands, and local officials. The Mayor of Korat traditionally opens the parade.

Elaborately decorated candle floats at Korat Candle Festival 2009
Elaborately decorated candle floats, weeks of skilled artisan work.

When: Around Asanha Bucha / Khao Phansa (usually early-mid July)
Where: Central Korat near Thao Suranaree monument
Admission: Free

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at the Korat Candle Festival procession?

The Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) Candle Festival procession is held for Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent entry) with carved wax sculptures paraded through the city streets on decorated floats, accompanied by traditional music and dancers. It is smaller but vibrant, modelled on the famous Ubon Ratchathani festival.

What is Khao Phansa in Thailand?

Khao Phansa (เข้าพรรษา) marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent — a three-month period (July–October) during which monks traditionally remain within their temples and intensify their practice. It coincides with the rainy season, when ancient monks avoided travel to prevent harming creatures on flooded paths.

What do Thai people do during Buddhist Lent?

During Phansa (Buddhist Lent), devout Thais: make special merit at temples, donate yellow robes and supplies to monks, reduce alcohol consumption, and in some households observe a vegetarian diet. Young men traditionally ordain as monks during Phansa — it’s the most auspicious period for ordination.

Are there other candle festivals in Thailand besides Ubon?

Yes — most provinces hold their own Khao Phansa candle processions, though Ubon Ratchathani is by far the largest and most elaborate. Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Nakhon Sawan, and Sakon Nakhon also hold notable candle festivals that attract regional visitors.

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