Bangkok: The Department of Religious Affairs has organized a grand candle procession at 10 royal temples across Thailand, inviting Buddhists to engage with Buddhism and explore cultural and religious practices during Asarnha Bucha Day and the onset of Buddhist Lent 2568.

According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Religious Affairs, under the Ministry of Culture, facilitated a Buddhist chanting ceremony and candle procession to promote Buddhism on Asalha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent 2568. The event was chaired by Somdej Phra Maha Thirajarn, a member of the Supreme Sangha Council, along with Mr. Prasop Riangngen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, and Mr. Chaipol Sukiam, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs. The ceremony took place at Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram in Bangkok’s Dusit District, attended by officials, representatives from Buddhist networks, and the public.

Mr. Prasop Riangngen highlighted that the Ministry of Culture, through the Department of Religious Affairs, organized activities to promote Buddhism in collaboration with the Bangkok Sangha, cultural agencies, and religious networks. The Buddhist chanting and candle procession ceremony was held on July 9, 2568, at Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram. The procession included candles presented to 10 royal temples in Bangkok, including Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangklaram and Wat Traimit Witthayaram. Additionally, four provinces opened for special worship during Asalha Bucha and Buddhist Lent festivals, with sacred objects available for worship in Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Yasothon, and Ang Thong provinces.

In all 76 provinces, activities to promote Buddhism were organized with cultural offices and Buddhist networks. These initiatives aim to conserve cultural traditions, promote local wisdom, and generate economic value through products and services related to cultural traditions. Events include cultural performances and merit-making ceremonies, with activities such as candle processions and religious festivals taking place in provinces like Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Buriram. The collaboration extends to Ranong Province, where activities are organized to promote ASEAN relations during the Buddhist Lent Festival.

‘Buddhist Lent Candles’ are symbolic offerings made by Buddhists to provide light for monks to study the Dharma and Vinaya during their three-month temple stay, symbolizing faith and wisdom. ‘Asalha Bucha Day’, an important Buddhist observance, commemorates historical events in Buddhism, such as the Buddha’s first sermon and the formation of the Triple Gem. This year, Asalha Bucha Day falls on July 10, 2568, and the beginning of Buddhist Lent on July 11, 2568.

The Department of Religious Affairs encourages Buddhists to participate in candle casting ceremonies and visit temples during Asalha Bucha Day and the Buddhist Lent, fostering a virtuous mindset and continuing Buddhist traditions.