Phuket Town prepares Khao Pansa ceremonies and candle offerings

Phuket City Municipality has begun preparations for Khao Pansa, the start of the annual three-month Buddhist Lent, with a ceremony at Wat Khajorn Rangsan in Phuket Town.

The ceremony was held on Wednesday, July 22, and led by Mueang Phuket District Chief and Acting Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer Siwat Rawangkul. Phuket City Mayor Supachoke La-ongphet said the municipality had worked with Wat Khajorn Rangsan and other organisations to arrange this year’s activities.

The religious ceremony was presided over by Phuket Provincial Chief Monk Phra Udom Wachiramongkol, also known as Wirat Atthathammo, the abbot of Wat Mongkol Nimit. Local officials, government representatives, monks, teachers, students and members of the public also attended.

A highlight was the traditional candle casting, in which participants made large candles to be presented to local temples for use during the Buddhist Lent period. The municipality said the activities were intended to preserve Thai cultural traditions, support Buddhism, encourage merit-making and religious participation, and promote Buddhist principles and community unity.

A candle blessing ceremony is scheduled at Wat Khajorn Rangsan on Sunday, July 26. The completed candles will be presented to six temples in the Phuket City Municipality area on Monday, July 27.

Khao Pansa begins on Thursday, July 30. The occasion marks the start of the three-month rainy-season retreat, during which monks traditionally remain at their temples for study and meditation.

The holiday period runs from July 28 to 30. Nationwide alcohol sales will be prohibited on Asarnha Bucha Day, July 29, and Khao Pansa, July 30, except at licensed entertainment venues, hotels and international airports under the amended Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. Government offices, including Phuket Immigration, will close during the holiday period and reopen on Friday, July 31.