Candles decorated for Buddhist Lent will be on full display as students carry them down Beach Road and present them to area temples July 18-19.
City officials met with academic officer Khomkrit Niraphan to work out final details of the annual Buddhist Lent Candle Parade & Competition. The parade will begin July 18 at 1 p.m. at Central Festival Pattaya Beach and run to Walking Street. That stretch of Beach Road will be closed from 1-4 p.m.
Pattaya School No. 1 won the top prize for most beautiful candle in last year’s parade.
The following day candles will be judged on Walking Street, with presentations made to area temples.
Khomkrit said candles must measure 1-2 meters from base to top and can be decorated with wax or paraffin and must include home made recycled materials. Candles will be judged in two categories: most beautiful and most creative. First to third place in each group will receive plaques and 5,000-10,000 baht cash.
Khao Pansaa marks the start of the monks’ “rains retreat,” during which they stay inside temple grounds so as not to trample crops during the rainy season. Candles are seen as a way to provide monks enlightenment during their prayers and candle parades are popular.
