Asanha Bucha Day ceremony in Sukhothai Historical park - Thailand

Sukhothai Historical Park hosts candle ceremonies for the 2 of the 4 major festivals of the Buddhist calendar. This is the case for example for Asanha Bucha Day which generally falls in July. The date varies each year because it is calculated on the lunar calendar. The Asanha Bucha Day candle ceremony in Sukhothai Historical Park is held at Wat Mahathat in the central part which exceptionally remains open after normal closing time. Admission is free.

The event usually starts at 5:30 p.m. with the collection of candles (they often give some for free). Then, people gather at 6:30 p.m. at Wat Mahathat. Then at 7 p.m., the procession starts guided by the monks and goes around the temple 3 times. It lasts a little less than an hour.

Note that there is also a small market with food stalls, near Wat Sa Si also in the central part of the historical park.