Chiang Mai shines with the brilliance of 10,000 candles in a traditional ritual
Over 10,000 candles were lit, illuminating Chiang Mai’s old town area on Saturday evenings as part of a traditional ritual to honour Lord Buddha.
The event also aimed to preserve the northern city's culture and tradition.
Meanwhile, 727 Thai dancers performed a candle dance at the Three Kings Monument to honour the town's guardian angel. The number of dancers corresponded to the founding of Chiang Mai.
Thousands of foreigners and Thai tourists took part in the activity.
Saowakon Sriboonreung, coordinator of Ruk Chiangmai urban community network, said the candle lighting and ritual performance was also an attempt to reduce the number of lanterns released, which harmed houses and were a threat to aircraft.
"This candle lighting is Chiang Mai people's belief in paying their respects to the city guardian and sacred things so that they will protect the city and bless the person who lit the candle as well," she said.
She expected the event to raise awareness of this traditional culture among tourists and support local businesses, particularly the artisans who make the traditional candles used in the event.
