Bangkok – ICONSIAM, the icon of eternal prosperity along the Chao Phraya river, in collaboration with The ICONSIAM Residences Corporation Ltd., and The ICONSIAM Superlux Residence Corporation Ltd., Thailand Post Co., Ltd.,
government and private business alliances will celebrate Buddhist Lent and Thailand’s unique Candle Festival the with The ICONIC Candle Festival, from 12-17 July at ICONSIAM, with an aim to preserve the country’s traditional candle procession and the art of candle carving from master craftsmen.
At this cultural event, elaborated award-winning carved candles from the 2018 contest from Ubon Ratchathani – the famed city of the crafted candle ceremony, will be showcased on the Chao Phraya riverside together with 77 exquisitely-carved wax candles, representing 77 temples from each province of the country. At the opening ceremony on 12 July 2019 at 17.00 hrs, visitors will also enjoy a contemporary Issan or North-Eastern Thailand dance performance led by leading actress Nuttanicha ‘Nychaa’ Dungwattanawanich with stunning Chao Pharaya riverside view at River Park, ICONSIAM.
Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd, said “It has always been our great pride to present the best and the most prestigious aspects of Thailand. We have continuously brought esteemed Thainess in the eyes of Thai and the world. To mark this coming Buddhist Lent, we are organizing The ICONIC Candle Festival which is scheduled on 12-17 July 2019. The event will play a very important role in preserving the traditional Candle Festival, which dated back to Sukhothai period, and also preserve the wisdom and craftsmanship of master candle carvers. On the days, the devout faith of Thais in Buddhism will light up Chao Phraya Riverside.”
On display at ICONSIAM will be a spectacular candle wax craft from Ubon Ratchathani, the city famed for its most elaborated and largest candle festival of the country. This will be a great opportunity to bring the festival into the city, for new generations and tourists to experience Thai tradition. Lavish 2018-awarding-winning carved candles that stands over five-meter tall by master craftsmen Weera Meesook will be on displayed. This giant wax art piece portrays an excerpt from the story of buddha when Queen Maya of Sakya or mother of Buddha had a vision in her dream. The highlight piece will be surrounded by 77 beautifully-carved wax candles, representing 77 temples from each province of the country. Buddhists are encouraged to bring small candles used in their daily prayer for donations. All 77 carved candles along with all the donated candles will be given to temples in needs across 77 provinces. The event will also feature contemporary Isaan performances that include dance, music and literature called “Pouring Hearts of all Thai for the candle worship.”
At Rasada Hall on the 1st Floor, will be an exhibition on the history of Khao Pansa Day or Buddhist Lent, a candle carving demonstration from craftsmen from Ubon Ratchathani, and a wax candle flower workshop made with Portia Tree fruit, these flowers are used to decorate castle wax offerings as part of Isaan’s tradition during the end of Buddhist Lent.
At Suralai Hall on the 7th Floor, from 12-14 July at 13.00 hrs, sermons will be given as a dedication to His Majesty King Mahavajiralongkorn for his 67th birthday on 28 July.
Visitors are encouraged to dress in traditional Thai costumes to join The Iconic Candle Festival from 12-17 July at ICONSIAM, Charoen Nakhon Road. Admission is free. For more information, please call 02-495-7000.
