Ubon Ratchathani — The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession Festival for 2026 saw temple communities (khum wat) submit a total of 48 Khao Phansa candles — comprising carved candles, moulded candles, and ancient-style candles — to compete in the contest. More than 5,000 seats were prepared for spectators, but that number proved insufficient for the over 10,000 tourists who came to watch.
The atmosphere at the first day of the Khao Phansa candle procession in Ubon Ratchathani, which has been held continuously for 125 years, was lively. For 2026, the festival carries the theme "Yol Saeng Sin Thin Mueang Tham Mueang Thian" (Behold the Light, the Art, the Land of Dharma, the City of Candles). Narong Thepasena, the provincial governor, presided over the opening ceremony at the ceremonial pavilion in front of Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram on Upparat Road, Nai Mueang Sub-district, Mueang District. The first procession was the royal-presented Khao Phansa candle and royal-presented bathing cloth procession, followed by dance troupes and the annual 2026 candle procession, all taking place amid a light shower of rain.
The 2026 Khao Phansa candle procession featured candles submitted by various temple communities for competition, divided into three categories: moulded candles, carved candles, and ancient-style candles. These included candles in large, medium, and small sizes, totalling 47 entries, plus one display candle, bringing the total number of candles participating in the festival to 48.
Every procession was led by a dancing troupe from educational institutions, with 37 processions in total. Free grandstand seating for over 5,000 spectators was provided, along with five dance performance points along the route so that tourists could enjoy the performances up close. However, the number of seats was not sufficient for the more than 10,000 tourists in attendance, causing many visitors to stand on both sides of the road as the candle procession passed by.
In the evening, a spectacular light-and-sound show titled "Atsajan Saeng Sri Isan" — STUNNED — will be presented for visitors to enjoy, ensuring that tourists receive full value from their visit to this year's festival.
