Nong Prue, 28 July 2026 – Nong Prue Municipality yesterday organized a magnificent traditional Candle Procession Festival to mark the start of Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa) for the year 2026. The event is to uphold cherished Thai customs, promote Buddhism, and provide an opportunity for people from all sectors to demonstrate their faith and unity through elaborately decorated candle floats.
The festivities took place at the Nong Prue Municipality football field. Mayor Winai Inphithak presided over the opening ceremony of the Nong Prue Municipality Candle Procession Festival for the 2026 Buddhist Lent season. He was joined by municipal executives, council members, heads of government agencies, municipal staff, community leaders, teachers, students, and residents from all 31 communities, who participated in full force.
Municipal Clerk Sarawut Amorndhammasin reported on the purpose of the event, noting that Nong Prue Municipality recognizes the importance of key Buddhist observances, including Asalha Puja Day and the beginning of Buddhist Lent. These occasions encourage Buddhists to reflect on the virtues of the Triple Gem and participate in religious activities for the well-being of themselves, their families, and society.
Asalha Puja Day falls on the full moon of the eighth lunar month and commemorates three significant events in Buddhism: the Buddha’s first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, delivered to the five ascetics; the attainment of the first insight by Añña Kondañña, who became the first ordained monk; and the complete establishment of the Triple Gem, the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha.
The beginning of Buddhist Lent, on the day after the full moon of the eighth lunar month, marks the three-month period during which monks traditionally remain in their monasteries to study and practice the Dhamma in accordance with monastic discipline. In the past, before electricity was available, monks relied on candlelight for studying scriptures, chanting, and performing religious duties at night. Devotees therefore cast candles and offered them to the Sangha, giving rise to the enduring tradition of presenting Buddhist Lent candles. Even in the modern era of electric lighting, this practice remains a meaningful symbol of supporting Buddhism and making a valuable offering to the Buddha.
This year’s event received strong cooperation from municipal executives, council members from all three districts, community leaders, residents of the 31 communities, educational personnel, teachers, and students from schools within Nong Prue Municipality. Participants meticulously decorated the candle floats and arranged processions featuring traditional Thai dance performances that showcase local cultural identity and craftsmanship, creating a memorable spectacle for attendees and spectators.
Throughout the event, the atmosphere was lively with folk music, Thai cultural performances, and spectacular processions, showing the collective effort of all sectors to conserve and pass on valuable national traditions. The activities also helped instill in the younger generation an appreciation of Buddhism and Thai culture through active community involvement. The following day, residents will jointly carry the beautifully decorated candle floats to present them to monks at temples throughout Nong Prue Municipality for use in religious activities during the Lent period, as an offering to the Buddha. This continues a fine tradition that demonstrates faith, unity, and the shared commitment to preserving Thailand’s cultural heritage for future generations.
Sasipatphon – News / Photos
