The light of the faithful

When it comes to commemorating Khao Pansa, the beginning of the monk's annual rain retreat, no one does it better than the people of the Northeast. Their processions, beautifully decorated with carved candles, are a moving tribute to both the Lord Buddha and their own devotion.

In Surin early on the morning of Asalhabucha Day, 83 monks made their alms rounds on elephant back at the Phraya Surin Pakdee Sri Narong Changwang Monument.

When nights fell, the Aiyara Elephant Parade meandered around the city to celebrate His Majesty the King's 83rd birthday.

Meanwhile the folks in a suburb of Ubon Ratchathani had their own simple but charming candle procession to old Wat Na Muang.

There was a sacred ritual in the ubosot and dancing by students in colourful traditional costumes, and skilled artisans led by Chatchai Thipkhan demonstrated how to make the beeswax candles.

Any visitors wishing to create a candle using their own ideas were provided with recycled materials and tools.

The tourists also joined residents for a ceremony to welcome the King's candle procession on the river at Wat Supattanaram Worawihan. The boats carrying them were marvellous, with more than 100 oarsmen dressed in old-fashioned costumes of red, blue and white hoisting carved red candles into the royal temple.

The magnificent Grand Candle Festival boasted more than 20 ornate candles made by practised local artisans from 10 districts. They varied in shape and size, but in design they were all inspired by the story of the Buddha.

This year's winner was Wat Tha Wang Hin, whose craftsmen had sculpted a beautiful rendition of the life of Phra Mahosot Bandit.

There were also exciting sound-and-light shows, cultural dances and all kinds of merchandise and food, as well as the fifth Thailand International Wax Sculpture exhibition, with works by 10 Thai and foreign artists on view at the National Museum.