Ubon Ratchathani melts hearts with divine candle creation to win ice sculpting world title

Ubon Ratchathani province clinched the world ice sculpting championship title, showcasing its skill by carving a candle into the figure of Phra Mae Thorani squeezing her hair.

This reflects a Buddhist narrative, blending the identity of the ancient cave paintings of Pha Taem with symbols of prosperity and success. The masterpiece will be displayed at the Miracle of Candle 2024 event from July 16 to 22 at Central Ubon Ratchathani.

At the art sculpture learning centre, Ban Pan Ngern, in Warin Chamrap district, Surachart Palasak, leader of the world champion international snow sculpting team, along with a group of young artists, collaborated to create a wax sculpture of Phra Mae Thorani holding her hair.

Surachart explained that the concept of Phra Mae Thorani squeezing her hair is derived from a Buddhist story during the Buddha’s meditation. When demons tried to disturb the Buddha, Phra Mae Thorani squeezed water from her hair, flooding the demons and ending their interference. The base of the sculpture, featuring ancient cave paintings, symbolises the prosperity of past livelihoods.

The wax sculpture of Phra Mae Thorani squeezing her hair employs special techniques using 3D foam and traditional candle dipping methods. It incorporates the beliefs and faith surrounding Phra Mae Thorani, also known as Phra Sri Vasundhara, who is revered as the goddess of the earth.

This symbol of fertility and success is blended with the unique identity of Pha Taem’s cave paintings, a tourist attraction in Ubon Ratchathani dating back over 4,000 years. Standing 5 metres tall, this sculpture is a world-exclusive display for this year’s candle festival in Ubon Ratchathani.

Surachart Palasak is a professor who trains students at Ubon Ratchathani Vocational College. He has led the international snow sculpting team to victory in China, winning the world championship twice, reported KhaoSod.

In related news, the Chiang Mai governor coordinated with the Fine Arts Department to restore a 400 year old giant statue at a prominent historical temple, sparking criticism from an academic who argues that the restoration was inappropriate.