Spectacular giant candles are paraded through the street to mark the start of Buddhist Lent in Thailand.

The intricately carved was sculptures depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology were shown in Ubon Ratchathani, northeastern Thailand, on July 17. 

Thousands of devotees and tourists converge of the towns and cities around the country to mark the start of the religious festival.

The Lenten period sees monks retreat to temples for the monsoon rainy season which ends at the end of September. 

Candles are used by the monks to dispel the gloom. 

Locals then make giant wax candle carvings to honour the monks. They are paraded through towns and cities and around temples. 

The most elaborate festival is held in Ubon Ratchathani province, though the candles are never burned.