Nakhon Ratchasima, The candle-making community of Ban Kratok-Chokchai, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, is open to tourists to experience the local way of life as they come together to cast candles for the Buddhist Lent to continue and develop the traditions and culture.
During this period, communities and temples in Ban Kratok, Chok Chai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, monks and villagers are all eagerly preparing for the candle procession festival, which is organized to promote tourism in the candle-making community and to welcome the Korat Candle Festival in 2024. In particular, candle carvers and villagers in various temples have started to gather their forces to cast candles and carve candles for the Buddhist Lent in order to continue the art for the new generation to study. Every temple in Chok Chai District is open for tourists to observe candle making.
Mr. Chatchai Kornkokkrawad, village headman of Bing Noi, Village No. 7, said that Chokchai District is considered to be united because it has receiv
ed cooperation from all sectors, both government and private sectors, and villagers who have joined together to raise funds to make the candle festival grand and beautiful. There are a total of 5 temples in the area: Wat Mai Sa Prathum, Wat Nok Wiwet Wai Rit, Wat Si Phuttharam (Wat Nai), Wat Bot Kongkha Lom, and Wat Bing. All temples emphasize exquisite beauty and campaign for locals to join in preserving the traditions and cultures to continue on.
For tourists who want to experience these atmospheres, you can join the Mee Kin Festival and Candle Procession in Chokchai District, which will be held on July 19th, and the Korat Candle Procession ‘Candlelight of Dharma, the Beauty of the City of Ya, 72nd Anniversary of the Great King’ between July 20-21, 2024 at the Thao Suranaree Monument.
Source: Thai News Agency