The International Wax Sculpture on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Ubon Ratchathani July 1 - 30, 2007
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following activities will be held during the month-long festival from 1-30 July. Ubon Ratchathani Art and Culture Festival
Visits to the candle-crafting communities of Ubon Ratchathani
An exhibition of wax sculptures by nine international artists representing Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Portugal, the Ukraine, and Thailand
Light-and-Sound presentation
Traditional I-San style palaeng set dinner
Beauty contest
A grand procession of 80 Lenten candles
Presentations of I-San folk culture by 80 traditional Northeastern folk dance troupes
Weekly activities
July 1-8
Ubon Art and Culture Festival
July 9 – 22
Forging International Relations
A Celebration of Thai-Japanese Culture
Thai-Chinese Cultural Showcase and Cultural Exchange
International Wax Sculpture Exhibition
At the plaza in front of the Ubon Ratchathani National Museum
July 23 – 30
Keeping Buddhist Traditions and Buddhist Art Alive
At Thung Si Muang field
As the seasonal monsoon rains descend over the kingdom, it marks the beginning of the Buddhist "rain retreat" and the Buddhist Lent, or "Phansa", during which all Buddhist monks retreat to the temples. This is also an auspicious time for Buddhist ordinations as it marks a period of spiritual renewal.
Known as "Khao Phansa", the Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October).
As Ubon Ratchathani province prepares for the Buddhist Lent, men folk, ordained as well as laymen, with artistic skills set about the task of moulding and sculpting Lenten candles. As these works of art are to be presented as Buddhist merit-making offerings, the artisans pour their heart and soul into their craft. Many of these are fine examples of Buddhist art and sculpture. The candle festival is unique to Ubon Ratchathani province and the customs and traditions related to this Buddhist festival have been diligently preserved by local communities.
Making Merit
Thai Buddhists engage in merit-making as an expression of respect and gratitude by making offerings to Lord Buddha, venerable monks, past and present kings, and to parents, grandparents and their ancestors.
Making merit relates strongly to the concept of rebirth. The accumulation of merit, or bun, is believed to exert a powerful influence on one's future life and, indeed, rebirths.
According to Buddhist teachings, all actions performed in our daily lives affect our field of merit, but none more so than the support of Buddhism itself. When one offers material support to a Buddhist monk — be it alms in the form of food or donations, or voluntary work — one is helping to assure that Buddhist teachings live on. This accumulates merit not only for the giver by helping sustain Buddhism. It also provides the opportunity for future generations to make and accumulate merit. In addition to the monk's morning alms round, the presentation of the Lenten candles is also a merit-making act.
Visits to Candle-Crafting Communities of Ubon Ratchathani
July 1 – 28, 2007
Visit the following candle-crafting communities and watch artisans at work making ornately sculpted Lenten candles. Wat Thung Sri Muang community
Wat Bupharam community
Wat Sri Pra Ku community
Wat Phra That Nong Bua community
Wat Nong Pla Paak community
Prathum Vittayakarn School (Nong Katok)
Baan Kum Pun Weaving Village
Ubon Ratchathani Art and Culture Festival
July 1 – 31, 2007
Monday-Thursday: 10.00 – 19.00
Friday, weekends and public holidays: 10.00 – 22.00
This colourful showcase highlights various fascinating aspects of traditional and contemporary Isan art and culture. This includes exhibitions covering a range of themes and topics such as the lotus - for which the city of 'Ubon' (which means lotus in Thai) was named, Isan style ceremonial flags called tungs, an exhibition of Lenten Candles, floral craft made from banana leaves, traditional and ethnic textiles, pottery and earthenware products native to Ubon Ratchathani province, souvenirs and memorabilia moulded from candle wax.
Each of the sub-districts or tambon of Ubon Ratchathani province are famous for locally grown or hand-crafted products considered to be unique to the area. These are brought together at the fair, offering a convenient opportunity for one-stop shopping for a vast range of souvenirs and local products. As in other regions of the kingdom, food is an integral part of the local fabric of life and a vital element of every Isan celebration. Enjoy live demonstrations of local cuisine and savour the full range of delicious Isan delicacies.
CANDLE EXHIBITION
An exhibition of Lenten Candles at Thung Sri Muang Park featuring crafted candles, moulded candles and ancient candles.
Mandapa-shaped Candles (Mondop)
A mondop or mandapa is a structural form with a square base and a spired or pyramidal roof. Mondop candles are used as a receptacle to hold sacred offerings which are brought to temples during the ‘kathin’ season when monk robes are presented as offerings. Mandapa-shaped candles are used only for worship; they are not lit.
Beeswax Candle Castle (Prasat Pueng)
The beeswax candle castle is one of the elements of Buddhist merit-making rituals. These are also used in ancestor worship rituals to dedicate merit to ancestors. The beeswax ‘castle’ is also sometimes featured in propitiation rituals. However the use of the trunk of a banana tree, parts of which are folded into triangular-shapes, is preferred. Taro, turnip or sweet potato are sometimes carved into the floral shapes and dipped into heated beeswax, left to dry and used to decorate the banana tree.
Cone-Shaped (Poom)
Smaller candles are bonded together to form a cone-shaped structure. They serve a decorative purpose and are used to adorn the main candle. These are then presented as merit-making offerings.
Candles that are tied together (Mat Ruam)
Smaller candles are simply tied together into a bunch before they are presented as merit-making offerings. The cone-shaped poom and mat ruam candles are similar. Both reflect the ingenuity of villagers in creating a variety of ways to adorn their candle offerings.
International Wax Sculpture Exhibition on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary
July 14 – 31, 2007
10.00 – 22.00 at the Ubon Ratchathani National Museum
In recent years, the growing popularity of the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival has attracted international interest and international participation in the Ubon Ratchathani wax sculpture contest. This year, nine international artists, representing Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Portugal, the Ukraine, and Thailand, will dedicate their sculpted masterpieces as a tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej to mark the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary on 5 December 2007.
Light-and-Sound Presentation
July 24, 27, 29, 30
At the Kanchanapisek Cultural Centre Auditorium, Rajabhat College, Ubon Ratchathani
The Grand Candle Procession
July 30
The magnificent Grand Candle Procession will comprise various candle processions, led by the Procession of the Royal Candle. A processions of 80 Lenten candles follow. In addition to the crafted or moulded candles and ancient candles crafted by the various communities of Ubon Ratchathani province, nine will be masterpieces created by candle artisans for the 2007 International Wax Sculpture Exhibition to mark the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary. Presentations of I-San folk culture by some 80 dance troupes will add a colourful aspect to the festival.
PROGRAMME
24 – 30 JULY 09.00 – 19.00 The performance of Buddhist ceremonies
At Sala Chaturamuk Pavilion, Thung Si Muang field
10.00 – 19.00 Exhibition in Honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand to mark the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary on 5 December 2007
At Sala Chaturamuk Pavilion, Thung Si Muang field
10.00 – 22.00 Sales of local products from the various communities of Ubon Ratchathani province in front of the Ubon Ratchathani provincial centre pavilion
15.00 – 17.00 Dhamma practice
At Sala Chaturamuk Pavilion, Thung Si Muang field
16.30 – 17.30 Royal Candle invocation ritual and procession
The procession of the Royal Candle departs from the Ubon Ratchathani provincial centre pavilion to the Chalermphrakiat Candle Plaza, Thung Si Muang field
18.30 – 20.00 A grand traditional Thai musical ensemble with an orchestra of 200 musicians
At the Royal Candle Plaza, Thung Si Muang field
26 JULY
A Brahmin merit-making ritual is performed to mark the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary
At the Chalermphrakiat Candle Plaza, Thung Si Muang field
28 JULY 09.00 – 16.00 Buddhist Chanting Competition
At Sala Chaturamuk Pavilion, Thung Si Muang field
17.30 – 23.00 Traditional I-San style Palaeng set dinner and Candle Festival Beauty Contest
At Praipayom Hall, Rajabhat College, Ubon Ratchathani
29 JULY/ 18.00 – 24.00 hrs
Grand Sculpted Wax Candle Exhibition
At Thung Si Muang field
Evening
Asalaha Bucha Buddhist rituals
At temples in the Ubon Ratchathani provincial centre
Asalaha Bucha Day marks the anniversary of the day Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his first five disciples at the Deer Park in Benares more than 2500 years ago. It also marks the coming into existence of the Triple Gems, namely Lord Buddha, His Teachings, and His Disciples, and is therefore considered to be a sacred day in Buddhism. Asalaha Bucha Day falls on the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eighth lunar month (July), and precedes the Buddhist Lent, which starts on the first day of the waning moon. To observe this auspicious day, Buddhists perform merit-making tasks such as visiting temples to make offerings to the monks and to listen to sermons to purify their minds. The Buddhist precepts, or sila, are observed.
30 July 2, 2007 08.30 Opening ceremony
The 2007 International Wax Sculpture on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary
At Wat Si Ubon Rattannaram temple
09.30 – 12.00 Grand Candle Procession
The procession departs from Ubon Ratchathani National Museum and proceeds along Uparaj Road to the intersection where Suriyart Road intersects with the Esso petrol station
11.00 – 12.00 Buddhist rituals are performed as the Royal Candle is presented as a Buddhist merit-making offering.
At Wat Si Ubon Rattannaram temple
12.00 – 22.00 Candle Exhibition
Wax sculptures by winners and runners-up are placed on display at Thung Si Muang field.
19.00 – 21.00 Award presentation ceremony
At the Kanchanapisek Cultural Centre Auditorium, Rajabhat College, Ubon Ratchathani
By : Tourism Authority of Thailand News Room
Contact information:
www.tatnews.org
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following activities will be held during the month-long festival from 1-30 July. Ubon Ratchathani Art and Culture Festival
Visits to the candle-crafting communities of Ubon Ratchathani
An exhibition of wax sculptures by nine international artists representing Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Portugal, the Ukraine, and Thailand
Light-and-Sound presentation
Traditional I-San style palaeng set dinner
Beauty contest
A grand procession of 80 Lenten candles
Presentations of I-San folk culture by 80 traditional Northeastern folk dance troupes
Weekly activities
July 1-8
Ubon Art and Culture Festival
July 9 – 22
Forging International Relations
A Celebration of Thai-Japanese Culture
Thai-Chinese Cultural Showcase and Cultural Exchange
International Wax Sculpture Exhibition
At the plaza in front of the Ubon Ratchathani National Museum
July 23 – 30
Keeping Buddhist Traditions and Buddhist Art Alive
At Thung Si Muang field
As the seasonal monsoon rains descend over the kingdom, it marks the beginning of the Buddhist "rain retreat" and the Buddhist Lent, or "Phansa", during which all Buddhist monks retreat to the temples. This is also an auspicious time for Buddhist ordinations as it marks a period of spiritual renewal.
Known as "Khao Phansa", the Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October).
As Ubon Ratchathani province prepares for the Buddhist Lent, men folk, ordained as well as laymen, with artistic skills set about the task of moulding and sculpting Lenten candles. As these works of art are to be presented as Buddhist merit-making offerings, the artisans pour their heart and soul into their craft. Many of these are fine examples of Buddhist art and sculpture. The candle festival is unique to Ubon Ratchathani province and the customs and traditions related to this Buddhist festival have been diligently preserved by local communities.
Making Merit
Thai Buddhists engage in merit-making as an expression of respect and gratitude by making offerings to Lord Buddha, venerable monks, past and present kings, and to parents, grandparents and their ancestors.
Making merit relates strongly to the concept of rebirth. The accumulation of merit, or bun, is believed to exert a powerful influence on one's future life and, indeed, rebirths.
According to Buddhist teachings, all actions performed in our daily lives affect our field of merit, but none more so than the support of Buddhism itself. When one offers material support to a Buddhist monk — be it alms in the form of food or donations, or voluntary work — one is helping to assure that Buddhist teachings live on. This accumulates merit not only for the giver by helping sustain Buddhism. It also provides the opportunity for future generations to make and accumulate merit. In addition to the monk's morning alms round, the presentation of the Lenten candles is also a merit-making act.
Visits to Candle-Crafting Communities of Ubon Ratchathani
July 1 – 28, 2007
Visit the following candle-crafting communities and watch artisans at work making ornately sculpted Lenten candles. Wat Thung Sri Muang community
Wat Bupharam community
Wat Sri Pra Ku community
Wat Phra That Nong Bua community
Wat Nong Pla Paak community
Prathum Vittayakarn School (Nong Katok)
Baan Kum Pun Weaving Village
Ubon Ratchathani Art and Culture Festival
July 1 – 31, 2007
Monday-Thursday: 10.00 – 19.00
Friday, weekends and public holidays: 10.00 – 22.00
This colourful showcase highlights various fascinating aspects of traditional and contemporary Isan art and culture. This includes exhibitions covering a range of themes and topics such as the lotus - for which the city of 'Ubon' (which means lotus in Thai) was named, Isan style ceremonial flags called tungs, an exhibition of Lenten Candles, floral craft made from banana leaves, traditional and ethnic textiles, pottery and earthenware products native to Ubon Ratchathani province, souvenirs and memorabilia moulded from candle wax.
Each of the sub-districts or tambon of Ubon Ratchathani province are famous for locally grown or hand-crafted products considered to be unique to the area. These are brought together at the fair, offering a convenient opportunity for one-stop shopping for a vast range of souvenirs and local products. As in other regions of the kingdom, food is an integral part of the local fabric of life and a vital element of every Isan celebration. Enjoy live demonstrations of local cuisine and savour the full range of delicious Isan delicacies.
CANDLE EXHIBITION
An exhibition of Lenten Candles at Thung Sri Muang Park featuring crafted candles, moulded candles and ancient candles.
Mandapa-shaped Candles (Mondop)
A mondop or mandapa is a structural form with a square base and a spired or pyramidal roof. Mondop candles are used as a receptacle to hold sacred offerings which are brought to temples during the ‘kathin’ season when monk robes are presented as offerings. Mandapa-shaped candles are used only for worship; they are not lit.
Beeswax Candle Castle (Prasat Pueng)
The beeswax candle castle is one of the elements of Buddhist merit-making rituals. These are also used in ancestor worship rituals to dedicate merit to ancestors. The beeswax ‘castle’ is also sometimes featured in propitiation rituals. However the use of the trunk of a banana tree, parts of which are folded into triangular-shapes, is preferred. Taro, turnip or sweet potato are sometimes carved into the floral shapes and dipped into heated beeswax, left to dry and used to decorate the banana tree.
Cone-Shaped (Poom)
Smaller candles are bonded together to form a cone-shaped structure. They serve a decorative purpose and are used to adorn the main candle. These are then presented as merit-making offerings.
Candles that are tied together (Mat Ruam)
Smaller candles are simply tied together into a bunch before they are presented as merit-making offerings. The cone-shaped poom and mat ruam candles are similar. Both reflect the ingenuity of villagers in creating a variety of ways to adorn their candle offerings.
International Wax Sculpture Exhibition on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary
July 14 – 31, 2007
10.00 – 22.00 at the Ubon Ratchathani National Museum
In recent years, the growing popularity of the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival has attracted international interest and international participation in the Ubon Ratchathani wax sculpture contest. This year, nine international artists, representing Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Portugal, the Ukraine, and Thailand, will dedicate their sculpted masterpieces as a tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej to mark the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary on 5 December 2007.
Light-and-Sound Presentation
July 24, 27, 29, 30
At the Kanchanapisek Cultural Centre Auditorium, Rajabhat College, Ubon Ratchathani
The Grand Candle Procession
July 30
The magnificent Grand Candle Procession will comprise various candle processions, led by the Procession of the Royal Candle. A processions of 80 Lenten candles follow. In addition to the crafted or moulded candles and ancient candles crafted by the various communities of Ubon Ratchathani province, nine will be masterpieces created by candle artisans for the 2007 International Wax Sculpture Exhibition to mark the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary. Presentations of I-San folk culture by some 80 dance troupes will add a colourful aspect to the festival.
PROGRAMME
24 – 30 JULY 09.00 – 19.00 The performance of Buddhist ceremonies
At Sala Chaturamuk Pavilion, Thung Si Muang field
10.00 – 19.00 Exhibition in Honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand to mark the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary on 5 December 2007
At Sala Chaturamuk Pavilion, Thung Si Muang field
10.00 – 22.00 Sales of local products from the various communities of Ubon Ratchathani province in front of the Ubon Ratchathani provincial centre pavilion
15.00 – 17.00 Dhamma practice
At Sala Chaturamuk Pavilion, Thung Si Muang field
16.30 – 17.30 Royal Candle invocation ritual and procession
The procession of the Royal Candle departs from the Ubon Ratchathani provincial centre pavilion to the Chalermphrakiat Candle Plaza, Thung Si Muang field
18.30 – 20.00 A grand traditional Thai musical ensemble with an orchestra of 200 musicians
At the Royal Candle Plaza, Thung Si Muang field
26 JULY
A Brahmin merit-making ritual is performed to mark the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary
At the Chalermphrakiat Candle Plaza, Thung Si Muang field
28 JULY 09.00 – 16.00 Buddhist Chanting Competition
At Sala Chaturamuk Pavilion, Thung Si Muang field
17.30 – 23.00 Traditional I-San style Palaeng set dinner and Candle Festival Beauty Contest
At Praipayom Hall, Rajabhat College, Ubon Ratchathani
29 JULY/ 18.00 – 24.00 hrs
Grand Sculpted Wax Candle Exhibition
At Thung Si Muang field
Evening
Asalaha Bucha Buddhist rituals
At temples in the Ubon Ratchathani provincial centre
Asalaha Bucha Day marks the anniversary of the day Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his first five disciples at the Deer Park in Benares more than 2500 years ago. It also marks the coming into existence of the Triple Gems, namely Lord Buddha, His Teachings, and His Disciples, and is therefore considered to be a sacred day in Buddhism. Asalaha Bucha Day falls on the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eighth lunar month (July), and precedes the Buddhist Lent, which starts on the first day of the waning moon. To observe this auspicious day, Buddhists perform merit-making tasks such as visiting temples to make offerings to the monks and to listen to sermons to purify their minds. The Buddhist precepts, or sila, are observed.
30 July 2, 2007 08.30 Opening ceremony
The 2007 International Wax Sculpture on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary
At Wat Si Ubon Rattannaram temple
09.30 – 12.00 Grand Candle Procession
The procession departs from Ubon Ratchathani National Museum and proceeds along Uparaj Road to the intersection where Suriyart Road intersects with the Esso petrol station
11.00 – 12.00 Buddhist rituals are performed as the Royal Candle is presented as a Buddhist merit-making offering.
At Wat Si Ubon Rattannaram temple
12.00 – 22.00 Candle Exhibition
Wax sculptures by winners and runners-up are placed on display at Thung Si Muang field.
19.00 – 21.00 Award presentation ceremony
At the Kanchanapisek Cultural Centre Auditorium, Rajabhat College, Ubon Ratchathani
By : Tourism Authority of Thailand News Room
Contact information:
www.tatnews.org
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