The date is auspicious in the Hindu calendar as it marks the Hindu Festival of Lights and the beginning of the new year.
The ceremony outside the popular department store was overseen by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, who was joined by: Thamrong Chuay-aksorn, District Chief of Kathu; Natsakon Keesin, Deputy Mayor of Patong; Wiravich Kreuasombat, Advisor to the Mayor of Patong; and Kulthida Pratana, General Manager of Central Patong Department Store, in addition to representatives from various relevant agencies, members of the public and several tourists.
“In addition to providing national and world-class products, Central Patong Department Store also recognises the importance of Indian tourists and Thai-Indian people living in Phuket Province,” commented Vice Governor Adul.
“It is therefore very important to mark such an auspicious occasion to further create good cultural relationships, in partuclar with the increasing number of Indian tourists visiting Phuket” he added.
Ms Kulthida echoed these sentiments, stating that the Central Group acknowledges the importance of the festival and is always keen to promote strong relaions between Phuket and Indian tourists as well as the Thai-Indian community in Phuket.
In addition to the festival demonstrating good cultural relations, it furthermore promotes tourism to attract foreign tourists, she added.
After the speeches had concluded there was a candle lighting ceremony to mark the occasion, in which Vice Governor Adul participated.
Furthermore, as part of yesterday’s festivities, there was live musical entertainment, a sequence of dance demonstrations to entertain the watching crowd and a fire exhibition, while a number of stalls offered food and beverages and henna painting.