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Thai Buddhists recently celebrated the beginning of Buddhist Lent nationwide.

Suphanburi province in central Thailand was among many provinces in Thailand that hold candle festivals.

Called ‘khao phansa” in Thai, Buddhist Lent lasts three months.

It begins from the first day of the waning moon to the 8th lunar month.

The first day of Buddhist Lent (khao phansa) this year falls on 31 July.

To mark the start of this auspicious period, Thai people nationwide held special celebrations.

Thai Buddhists joined candle processions nationwide to mark the beginning of the Buddhist Lent.

The candle procession featuring decorated candles is one of many highlights of the khao phansa celebration.

In some provinces, there were also candle craving contests.