Overview
Ubon Ratchathani, fondly known as Ubon, is a captivating province in the northeastern region of Thailand, or Isan. Known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, Ubon Ratchathani serves as both a traveler's paradise and an economic hub, blending tradition with modern development. Strategically located along the borders of Laos and Cambodia, Ubon Ratchathani is a gateway to the Greater Mekong Subregion, offering unique opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment.
History
Ubon Ratchathani's story begins in 1786 during the late Ayutthaya period when it was established as a settlement for people migrating from Laos. Over the centuries, the province has grown into a vibrant cultural and spiritual center, often called the "Royal Lotus City" for its ancestral roots and its significance in Buddhism. Ubon is famous for its deeply rooted traditions, exemplified by its spectacular Candle Festival during Buddhist Lent.
The 'Century of Dhamma' is not merely a temporal milestone but reflects the collective determination of everyone to adopt Dhamma principles as a guide for life. It is a century where humanity, unbounded by religious backgrounds, unites to forge a new era of peace, understanding, and mutual respect, with Dhamma as the foundation and achieving Dhamma Victory, or victory through righteousness, rather than through violence.
This philosophy aligns seamlessly with the identity and lifestyle of Ubon Ratchathani Province, evident from the massive faith-driven turnout for the enshrinement of the Buddha’s relics and the relics of Sariputra and Maha Moggallana in Ubon Ratchathani under the project 'From Gagnges to the Mekong.' This project attracted a total of 810,374 devotees from Ubon Ratchathani, neighboring provinces, and neighboring countries, including Laos and Cambodia, demonstrating overwhelming faith in Buddhism. Coupled with Ubon Ratchathani being a land of scholars, devout citizens, and the birthplace of revered monks like Luang Pu Sao Kantasilo, Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatta, and Luang Pu Cha Suphattho, it is rich with important temples and historical sites that are centers of spiritual gathering.
Its tradition of the Candle Festival, combining the beauty of Buddhist art and faith, further solidifies its appropriateness as a pivotal point for declaring a Century of Dhamma, as the World Meditation City, to awaken awareness towards a land of Buddhist Dhamma and foster international cooperation.
Ubon Ratchathani, or the World Meditation City, is a city that aims to be a beacon for travelers seeking Dhamma, peace, and inner beauty. It is a city where everyone prospers through mindfulness, awareness, and wisdom—a city of Dhamma tourism that uplifts spirits through beautiful art, culture, and architecture, enriched by nature. It is a city where leaders at all levels govern with righteousness and where citizens filled with goodwill are ready to create a peaceful society.
Contact Us
India Studies Center of Ubon Ratchathani University
Faculty of Politcial Science, Ubon Ratchathani University, Warinchamrap, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
Email: india@ubu.ac.th
https://www.facebook.com/UBUIndia/