Buddhist Lent Day celebrations in Thai NE extravagant

UBON RATCHATHANI, July 20 (TNA) - The candle parade in celebrations of this year's Buddhist Lent season in the northeastern Ubon Ratchathani province is magnificent this year, as the province displays a 40-metre long candle which tells the story of the Lord Buddha and is the longest Lent candle in the world. The ceremony was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan at Sri Ubon Rattanaram temple in Muang district. The event was also attended by Minister of Tourism and Sports Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavarangkul, along with China's counsel general to Thailand and senior officials and representatives from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. The highlight is the parade of the world's largest Lent candle, telling the story of Lord Buddha's life including his birth, enlightenment, teachings, and nirvana. Each part of the story was depicted in a space of 10-metre long each on the candle, bringing the total length of the candle to 40 metres. The candle procession created a great impression and excitement among the visitors, including locals and foreign tourists. (TNA)