Preparations are underway for the Tum Ka Fire Lighting tradition at the end of Buddhist Lent in Yasothon, the only one in the world, to be held in 2026, welcoming both Thai and international tourists from 23 to 26 October 2026.
On 3 Sep 2026 at San Suk Thung Nong Kham plaza, Thung Tae Subdistrict, Mueang Yasothon District, Yasothon Province, Mr. Eka-ukrit Charoensap, Mayor of Thung Tae Municipality, along with Mr. Chakrit Sitthirit, Director of the Group for Promotion and Preservation of Preliminary Cultural Heritage, Mr. Patrapon Sarkarn, District Chief of Mueang Yasothon, Mr. Samran Kaenthong, Headman of Thung Tae Subdistrict, Mr. Donchai Thanakhun, Chairman of Thung Tae Municipal Council and Cultural Council, and Ms. Sai-saeng Thongkhao, Senior Educational Academic, jointly held a press conference announcing the 2026 Tum Ka Fire Lighting Festival, the only one in the world.
" TUM KA LIGHT FESTIVAL – The One and Only in the World" to announce readiness to welcome tourists worldwide to experience this festival of light that reflects the wisdom, faith, and lifestyle of the Isan people with a long history, as well as to promote cultural tourism and stimulate the grassroots economy of Yasothon Province.
Mr. Eka-ukrit said the Tum Ka Fire Lighting tradition is a valuable local wisdom passed down in Thung Tae Subdistrict for over 200 years. It involves using the Tum Ka fruit—a round wild fruit—through an intricate process including peeling, hollowing out the seeds, and carefully hand-carving translucent patterns onto the fruit, making each Tum Ka light uniquely beautiful.
When a candle is placed inside, the candlelight shines through the carved patterns softly and simply, yet full of meaning, symbolizing the light of wisdom illuminating the night of the end of Buddhist Lent. This conveys the story of ancestors and the community's cooperation, instilling pride in future generations.
The Tum Ka Fire Lighting tradition is a unique cultural and wisdom practice of the Thung Tae community, held annually on the day of the end of Buddhist Lent as an offering to the Buddha. The villagers believe, according to Buddhist history, that in the seventh Lent after enlightenment, the Buddha ascended to Tavatimsa Heaven to preach to his mother for one Lent and then returned to the human world on the day of the end of Buddhist Lent. Therefore, on this day, Thung Tae villagers prepare offerings including flowers, incense, candles, ripening rice, and Tum Ka lights, which they regard as precious flowers.
“The people of Thung Tae Subdistrict invite the residents of Yasothon, Thai tourists, and foreigners to experience the magnificent beauty and learn about local wisdom at the 2026 Tum Ka Fire Lighting Festival, to be grandly held from 23 to 26 October 2026 at Wat Burapha Thung Tae, Thung Tae Subdistrict, Mueang Yasothon District, Yasothon Province.”
“Participants will become part of preserving this spectacular cultural heritage, enjoy evenings filled with Tum Ka lights around the community, experience traditional lifestyles, taste local cuisine, and purchase local wisdom products. Beyond the memorable experience, this will also help directly distribute income to the Thung Tae community,” Mr. Eka-ukrit added.