Surfcrest
July 2nd, 2014, 14:33
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/Surfcrest/candle_procession_festival.jpg
Holiday & Events, Thailand
Asarnha Bucha Day
11 July 2014
Throughout Thailand
Celebrated in Thailand on the first full moon of the eighth lunar month, Asanha Bucha Day marks the first public sermon given by Buddha, which took place at Deer Park in Benares, India. In this initial sermon, Buddha presented the Four Noble Truths to five ascetics. While the ascetics believed in self-mortification, he taught that the cessation of desire was the key to enlightenment. Upon hearing this message, the five men reached enlightenment and became the first Buddhist priests or Sangha. The day also marks the beginning of Vassa, the Buddhist lent period also known as the Rains Retreat.
Ceremonies are held in Buddhist temples throughout the country. Elaborate wax candles are lit and kept burning throughout lent. In the city of Ubon, a Candle Festival is held in which a parade of candles is followed by a contest for best candle design and a beauty contest. In Saraburi, monks from the local temple will walk through the town with their alms bowls. On this day, townspeople will put flowers into their bowls instead of food, and the monks offer these flowers at the temple in honor of the Buddha. Asanha Bucha Day has become a popular day for young Thai men to enter the monkhood.
11 July (Fri) Asalha Bucha Day is a National Holiday.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/Surfcrest/AsarnhaBucha.jpg
Surin Wax Candle Festival 2014
10-11 July 2014
Monument of Phaya Surin Phakdi Sri Narong Changwang, Mueang district, Surin
The unique annual тАЬWax Candle Procession and Merit Making on Elephants BackтАЭ celebration is set to take place again in Surin province on 10-11 July, 2014 to mark this yearтАЩs rainy season and the beginning of the Buddhist Lent.
Buddhist devotees and travellers to Thailand are invited to join the many interesting activities, starting on Thursday 10 July at 17:00 hrs. when the exquisitely-carved candles from 12 famous temples in Surin will be paraded along with the colourful procession of Surin-style folk dance from over a hundred performers, and the magnificent procession of 87 elaborately-adorned elephants around the provincial town.
Highlight of the event will take place on Friday 11 July at 07:00 hrs. when locals and visitors can join for the unusual merit-making ceremony, by offering food to the highly-respected Buddhist monks who will be riding on elephantsтАЩ back. This is a traditional ritual of Surin province which is best known in Thailand as the home for elephants.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with the Association of Domestic Travel and leading tour operators is offering a special 3-Day / 2-Night tour program on 10-12 July which will include a tour of Phimai Historical Park in Nakhon Ratchasima, Elephant Village and Tha Sawang Silk Weaving Village in Surin province, Khao Phra Viharn (Preah Vihear) National Park, Wat Larn Khuad in Si Saket province, and i-Mobile Football stadium in Buriram province. The package is priced at 3,900 baht per person.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/Surfcrest/Tenderly-Craved-500x300.jpg
Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival 2014
Date: 11 тАУ 21 July, 2014
Thung Si Mueang, Mueang District, Ubon Ratchathani
This July, the province of Ubon Ratchathani in northeastern Thailand, will be celebrating its annual Candle Festival from 11-21 July, 2014. The festival which traditionally marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent shows the local peopleтАЩs devotion to Buddhist traditions while allowing them to showcase their renowned candle-carving skills.
The highlight of the much-anticipated events is the parade of beautifully-carved candles and floral floats which takes place on the day of Khao Phansa Day, the starting date for lent when the Monks take to their temples for the rainy season. The procession also features a special Royal Candle sent by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, as well as ornately carved beeswax candles and sculptures made by the local people especially for the festival.
The stunning parades start out from the front of Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram and head along the road as far as Thung Sri Mueang. Taking part in the parade are dancers and musicians in traditional costume. In addition, there is also an International Wax Sculpture Competition in which artists from all over the world come here to display their works of art.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/Surfcrest/UbonRatchathaniCandleFestival.jpg
International Wax Sculpture and Candle Procession Festival
11 - 12 July 2014
Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani hosts the Candle Festival to mark the beginning of Buddhist Lent. This festival shows the peopleтАЩs devotion to Buddhist tradition as well as their skills in carving magnificent candles. Buddhist Lent lasts 3 months and in this time the monks are confined to their temple grounds and dedicate their time to study, meditation, and prayer. Originally, a bundle of small candles was presented to the monks along with other basic essentials to use during this period. Over time, people started to carve the candles into beautiful shapes and in the reign of King Rama V, the Candle Festival and competitions associated with it were established to find the most beautiful candle. The Candle Procession, which takes place on Khao Phansa Day, features the Royal Candle sent by H.M. the King, and the ornately carved beeswax candles made by the local people. These are paraded around the city streets on floats. There is also an International Wax Sculpture Competition in which artists from all over the world display their works.
Highlight: The candle competition features two categories of candles based on the method of decoration тАУ beeswax candles carved on the surface, and candles with molded beeswax attached. The festival also includes a light and sound presentation, cultural shows, and displays of local artisansтАЩ handcrafting and sculptures.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/Surfcrest/Festival.jpg
Korat Candle Festival 2014
11-13 July 2014
Tao Suranaree (Ya Mo) Monument in Mueang, Phimai and Chokchai districts, Nakhon Ratchasima
Nakhon RatchasimaтАЩs annual wax candle festival will be held from 11-13 July 2014 at Tao Suranari (Ya Mo) Monument in Korat. Meanwhile, Phimai and Chokchai districts will hold the candle festivals to mark the start of the Buddhist Lent on 11 July.
Visitors are invited to take part and marvel at the many spectacular candles skilfully crafted by local artisans of Nakhon Ratchasima. The candles tell the story of the lives of the Lord Buddha, the activities in honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej as well as cultural and historical attractions of Nakhon Rachasima.
The grand procession of exquisitely crafted candles will be held around the Korat or Nakhon Ratchasima town on 12 July while a smaller scale parade of crafted candles entering a competition will be taking place at the Tao Suranaree Monument. The winner of the most beautifully crafted candles will receive the Royal Trophy from Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Throughout three days, visitors will be mesmerised by the beautifully crafted candles, spectacular light and sound multimedia presentation as well as rare cultural performances such as Khon performance, merit-making activities, wax candle carving competition and photo competition.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/Surfcrest/korat-candle-festival-2013-195909.jpg
Tak Bat Dok Mai Festival
11 - 13 July 2014
Saraburi
The Tak Bat Dok Mai floral offering merit-making ritual is unique to Saraburi province. Tak Bat Dok Mai ritual includes offerings of Dok Khao Phansa flowers that only come into bloom during the Buddhist Lent and Offering candle ceremony. This ritual stands out from the merit-making activities conducted in the other parts of Thailand because in addition to the offerings of cooked rice, food, incense, candles and other conventional sacred items.
Aside from this heavy religious element, the Tak Bat Dok Mai Festival is also a time for family gatherings and fun. Before the flower ritual, for example, thousands of Thai natives meet to play traditional games and watch culturally rich performances. Normally, the event is also filled with contests for long-drum dances and Thai costumes.
Travelers who visit this festival are advised to bring a camera, as the colorful costumes and beautiful flowers are sure to create priceless pictures. While this event is very sacred and important to the history of the region, most guests agree that as long as visitors remain respectful, taking once-in-a-lifetime photographs of the celebration is acceptable and recommended.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/Surfcrest/Tak-Bat-Dok-Mai-Festival-1.jpg
Khao Phansa Buddhist Lent Day
12 July 2014
Throughout Thailand
Buddhist Lent Day is a period of three lunar months during the rainy season when monks are required to remain in one particular place or wat (temple). Khao Phansa Day is on the first day after the full moon of the eighth lunar month (this year is on July 12th,2014) and marks the beginning of the three-month Buddhist 'lent' period. The tradition of Buddhist Lent or the annual three-month rains retreat known in Thai as "Phansa". Khao Phansa means to remain in one place during the rainy season. Phansa represents a time of renewed spiritual vigor and Khao Phansa festival is a major Buddhism merit-making festival.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/Surfcrest/buddhist-lent-khao-pansa.jpg
Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2014
Saturday, 26 July, 2014
Suan Luang Rachinee 19 Rai park
This year Hua Hin Jazz Festival is set to be held on Saturday, 26 July, 2014, at Suan Luang Rachinee 19 Rai park from 17:00-23:00 hrs. and is free of charge for all jazz lovers, both local and international.
The festival will offer a platform for home-grown jazz talent, with some of the best Thai bands and performers have been invited to play. One of the best known of these is Saxophone Madness, a popular local group who will open the event with their unique sax-based music.
Overseas performers include Steve Cannon, the worldтАЩs leading trumpeter from the United States, who will play a tribute to his hero Chet Baker, the legendary American jazz trumpeter and vocalist from the age of тАШCool Jazz.тАЩ Also on the bill are Jazz Stars Battle, The Travellers as well as Infinity and Soul After Six, one of the kingdomтАЩs leading jazz bands.
The Travellers are a combo-style jazz band from Japan recognised by jazz purists for their magical improvisation, and they made an impact in the kingdom when they played at Chiang MaiтАЩs тАШFat FestтАЩ event.
Infinity has been ThailandтАЩs leading jazz fusion band for over 25 years and is a role model for all of the kingdomтАЩs young jazz musicians. Over the years, they have made a name for themselves internationally and their album, тАЬAndaman DayтАЭ, which celebrated the beauty of ThailandтАЩs coast, was a great advert for Thailand.
Soul After Six, are a local jazz band who are celebrated for fusing traditional jazz styles with elements of pop and rock.
The Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2014 is jointly presented and organised by BOFFO and the Hua Hin Municipality. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will be one of the main supporters. -
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/Surfcrest/Jazzup.jpg
http://www.tatnews.org/events-festivals/
Holiday & Events, Thailand
Asarnha Bucha Day
11 July 2014
Throughout Thailand
Celebrated in Thailand on the first full moon of the eighth lunar month, Asanha Bucha Day marks the first public sermon given by Buddha, which took place at Deer Park in Benares, India. In this initial sermon, Buddha presented the Four Noble Truths to five ascetics. While the ascetics believed in self-mortification, he taught that the cessation of desire was the key to enlightenment. Upon hearing this message, the five men reached enlightenment and became the first Buddhist priests or Sangha. The day also marks the beginning of Vassa, the Buddhist lent period also known as the Rains Retreat.
Ceremonies are held in Buddhist temples throughout the country. Elaborate wax candles are lit and kept burning throughout lent. In the city of Ubon, a Candle Festival is held in which a parade of candles is followed by a contest for best candle design and a beauty contest. In Saraburi, monks from the local temple will walk through the town with their alms bowls. On this day, townspeople will put flowers into their bowls instead of food, and the monks offer these flowers at the temple in honor of the Buddha. Asanha Bucha Day has become a popular day for young Thai men to enter the monkhood.
11 July (Fri) Asalha Bucha Day is a National Holiday.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/Surfcrest/AsarnhaBucha.jpg
Surin Wax Candle Festival 2014
10-11 July 2014
Monument of Phaya Surin Phakdi Sri Narong Changwang, Mueang district, Surin
The unique annual тАЬWax Candle Procession and Merit Making on Elephants BackтАЭ celebration is set to take place again in Surin province on 10-11 July, 2014 to mark this yearтАЩs rainy season and the beginning of the Buddhist Lent.
Buddhist devotees and travellers to Thailand are invited to join the many interesting activities, starting on Thursday 10 July at 17:00 hrs. when the exquisitely-carved candles from 12 famous temples in Surin will be paraded along with the colourful procession of Surin-style folk dance from over a hundred performers, and the magnificent procession of 87 elaborately-adorned elephants around the provincial town.
Highlight of the event will take place on Friday 11 July at 07:00 hrs. when locals and visitors can join for the unusual merit-making ceremony, by offering food to the highly-respected Buddhist monks who will be riding on elephantsтАЩ back. This is a traditional ritual of Surin province which is best known in Thailand as the home for elephants.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with the Association of Domestic Travel and leading tour operators is offering a special 3-Day / 2-Night tour program on 10-12 July which will include a tour of Phimai Historical Park in Nakhon Ratchasima, Elephant Village and Tha Sawang Silk Weaving Village in Surin province, Khao Phra Viharn (Preah Vihear) National Park, Wat Larn Khuad in Si Saket province, and i-Mobile Football stadium in Buriram province. The package is priced at 3,900 baht per person.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/Surfcrest/Tenderly-Craved-500x300.jpg
Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival 2014
Date: 11 тАУ 21 July, 2014
Thung Si Mueang, Mueang District, Ubon Ratchathani
This July, the province of Ubon Ratchathani in northeastern Thailand, will be celebrating its annual Candle Festival from 11-21 July, 2014. The festival which traditionally marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent shows the local peopleтАЩs devotion to Buddhist traditions while allowing them to showcase their renowned candle-carving skills.
The highlight of the much-anticipated events is the parade of beautifully-carved candles and floral floats which takes place on the day of Khao Phansa Day, the starting date for lent when the Monks take to their temples for the rainy season. The procession also features a special Royal Candle sent by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, as well as ornately carved beeswax candles and sculptures made by the local people especially for the festival.
The stunning parades start out from the front of Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram and head along the road as far as Thung Sri Mueang. Taking part in the parade are dancers and musicians in traditional costume. In addition, there is also an International Wax Sculpture Competition in which artists from all over the world come here to display their works of art.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/Surfcrest/UbonRatchathaniCandleFestival.jpg
International Wax Sculpture and Candle Procession Festival
11 - 12 July 2014
Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani hosts the Candle Festival to mark the beginning of Buddhist Lent. This festival shows the peopleтАЩs devotion to Buddhist tradition as well as their skills in carving magnificent candles. Buddhist Lent lasts 3 months and in this time the monks are confined to their temple grounds and dedicate their time to study, meditation, and prayer. Originally, a bundle of small candles was presented to the monks along with other basic essentials to use during this period. Over time, people started to carve the candles into beautiful shapes and in the reign of King Rama V, the Candle Festival and competitions associated with it were established to find the most beautiful candle. The Candle Procession, which takes place on Khao Phansa Day, features the Royal Candle sent by H.M. the King, and the ornately carved beeswax candles made by the local people. These are paraded around the city streets on floats. There is also an International Wax Sculpture Competition in which artists from all over the world display their works.
Highlight: The candle competition features two categories of candles based on the method of decoration тАУ beeswax candles carved on the surface, and candles with molded beeswax attached. The festival also includes a light and sound presentation, cultural shows, and displays of local artisansтАЩ handcrafting and sculptures.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/Surfcrest/Festival.jpg
Korat Candle Festival 2014
11-13 July 2014
Tao Suranaree (Ya Mo) Monument in Mueang, Phimai and Chokchai districts, Nakhon Ratchasima
Nakhon RatchasimaтАЩs annual wax candle festival will be held from 11-13 July 2014 at Tao Suranari (Ya Mo) Monument in Korat. Meanwhile, Phimai and Chokchai districts will hold the candle festivals to mark the start of the Buddhist Lent on 11 July.
Visitors are invited to take part and marvel at the many spectacular candles skilfully crafted by local artisans of Nakhon Ratchasima. The candles tell the story of the lives of the Lord Buddha, the activities in honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej as well as cultural and historical attractions of Nakhon Rachasima.
The grand procession of exquisitely crafted candles will be held around the Korat or Nakhon Ratchasima town on 12 July while a smaller scale parade of crafted candles entering a competition will be taking place at the Tao Suranaree Monument. The winner of the most beautifully crafted candles will receive the Royal Trophy from Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Throughout three days, visitors will be mesmerised by the beautifully crafted candles, spectacular light and sound multimedia presentation as well as rare cultural performances such as Khon performance, merit-making activities, wax candle carving competition and photo competition.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/Surfcrest/korat-candle-festival-2013-195909.jpg
Tak Bat Dok Mai Festival
11 - 13 July 2014
Saraburi
The Tak Bat Dok Mai floral offering merit-making ritual is unique to Saraburi province. Tak Bat Dok Mai ritual includes offerings of Dok Khao Phansa flowers that only come into bloom during the Buddhist Lent and Offering candle ceremony. This ritual stands out from the merit-making activities conducted in the other parts of Thailand because in addition to the offerings of cooked rice, food, incense, candles and other conventional sacred items.
Aside from this heavy religious element, the Tak Bat Dok Mai Festival is also a time for family gatherings and fun. Before the flower ritual, for example, thousands of Thai natives meet to play traditional games and watch culturally rich performances. Normally, the event is also filled with contests for long-drum dances and Thai costumes.
Travelers who visit this festival are advised to bring a camera, as the colorful costumes and beautiful flowers are sure to create priceless pictures. While this event is very sacred and important to the history of the region, most guests agree that as long as visitors remain respectful, taking once-in-a-lifetime photographs of the celebration is acceptable and recommended.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/Surfcrest/Tak-Bat-Dok-Mai-Festival-1.jpg
Khao Phansa Buddhist Lent Day
12 July 2014
Throughout Thailand
Buddhist Lent Day is a period of three lunar months during the rainy season when monks are required to remain in one particular place or wat (temple). Khao Phansa Day is on the first day after the full moon of the eighth lunar month (this year is on July 12th,2014) and marks the beginning of the three-month Buddhist 'lent' period. The tradition of Buddhist Lent or the annual three-month rains retreat known in Thai as "Phansa". Khao Phansa means to remain in one place during the rainy season. Phansa represents a time of renewed spiritual vigor and Khao Phansa festival is a major Buddhism merit-making festival.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/Surfcrest/buddhist-lent-khao-pansa.jpg
Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2014
Saturday, 26 July, 2014
Suan Luang Rachinee 19 Rai park
This year Hua Hin Jazz Festival is set to be held on Saturday, 26 July, 2014, at Suan Luang Rachinee 19 Rai park from 17:00-23:00 hrs. and is free of charge for all jazz lovers, both local and international.
The festival will offer a platform for home-grown jazz talent, with some of the best Thai bands and performers have been invited to play. One of the best known of these is Saxophone Madness, a popular local group who will open the event with their unique sax-based music.
Overseas performers include Steve Cannon, the worldтАЩs leading trumpeter from the United States, who will play a tribute to his hero Chet Baker, the legendary American jazz trumpeter and vocalist from the age of тАШCool Jazz.тАЩ Also on the bill are Jazz Stars Battle, The Travellers as well as Infinity and Soul After Six, one of the kingdomтАЩs leading jazz bands.
The Travellers are a combo-style jazz band from Japan recognised by jazz purists for their magical improvisation, and they made an impact in the kingdom when they played at Chiang MaiтАЩs тАШFat FestтАЩ event.
Infinity has been ThailandтАЩs leading jazz fusion band for over 25 years and is a role model for all of the kingdomтАЩs young jazz musicians. Over the years, they have made a name for themselves internationally and their album, тАЬAndaman DayтАЭ, which celebrated the beauty of ThailandтАЩs coast, was a great advert for Thailand.
Soul After Six, are a local jazz band who are celebrated for fusing traditional jazz styles with elements of pop and rock.
The Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2014 is jointly presented and organised by BOFFO and the Hua Hin Municipality. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will be one of the main supporters. -
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/Surfcrest/Jazzup.jpg
http://www.tatnews.org/events-festivals/