Politics
Office of the Prime Minister Presents Lent Candles at Wat Benchamabophit
The Office of the Prime Minister held a traditional candle-offering ceremony at Wat Benchamabophit to mark Asalha Puja and the start of Buddhist Lent 2026.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) recently conducted a formal ceremony to present traditional candles for the Buddhist Lent season. The event took place at Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram in Bangkok’s Dusit district, coinciding with the 2026 Asalha Puja and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) observances.
Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri presided over the lay proceedings, while Phra Tham Wachirathibodi, the abbot of Wat Benchamabophit, served as the monastic leader. The ceremony involved various government agencies, including the Secretariat of the Prime Minister, the Secretariat of the Cabinet, and the Public Relations Department, alongside representatives from state enterprises and financial institutions.
For residents and travelers, this event highlights the ongoing significance of traditional merit-making ceremonies in Thai culture. While such events are common during the Lent season, they offer a glimpse into the formal state-sponsored religious practices that define the period. Visitors to Bangkok during this time may observe similar candle-offering rituals at temples across the city. As of now, there are no further details regarding additional state-sponsored religious activities scheduled for the remainder of the Lent period, which typically lasts for three months. Travelers are encouraged to respect local customs and maintain decorum when visiting temples during these significant religious observances.