These stunning wax candles were displayed 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. 

Devotees spend several weeks painstakingly carving the giant sculptures, which represent the candles monks used to dispel the gloom during the rainy season.

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

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

The most elaborate event is the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, though the candles are never burned.

Tens of thousands of locals and tourists converge on the area to watch the parade of the giant wax candles. There are also hundreds of traditional Thai dance displays.