Led by the Dakduseth form of Lord Ganesha from the Sri Mantra Ganesh Temple in Rawai, the grand opening procession drew crowds of devotees, residents and tourists from around the world.
More than 40 Dhol-Tasha drummers flown in from Pune, India, set a thunderous rhythm as the colourful parade wound its way through the heart of the old quarter, joined by Thai and international celebrities, artists and influencers.
The celebration also featured rangoli sand art displays, floral offerings and a spectacular fire aarti ceremony at the Chartered Bank Intersection – a rare sight in Thailand and a highlight of the five-day event.
Phuket Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam presided over the official opening ceremony, joined by Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob, Phuket City Deputy Mayor Prasit Sinsaophak, Rawai Mayor Thames Kraithat, and event organiser Paphacharasorn Meepa, Managing Director of Phuket Nine Co Ltd.
“This festival not only enriches Phuket’s cultural diversity but also elevates the province as a world-class spiritual tourism destination,” said Vice Governor Suwit. “It highlights Phuket as a place where nature, culture and faith come together, attracting visitors not only for our beaches but also for meaningful cultural experiences.”
Ms Paphacharasorn, founder of the Sri Mantra Kanabode Ganesha Temple, said hosting Ganesh Chaturthi in Phuket had exceeded expectations.
“It is a great honour to welcome the Dakduseth Ganesha, considered the wealthiest incarnation of Lord Ganesha, and the first time this sacred form has been celebrated in full tradition outside India,” she said. “This is a milestone for Phuket, making the island a centre of faith and a new cultural landmark.”
The five-day programme, themed ‘Celebrating the First Ganesh Festival’, continues until Sunday (Aug 31), with daily rituals, cultural performances and community activities held at both the Old Town and the temple in Rawai. The celebration will culminate with the Visarjan ceremony at Rawai Beach, where the Ganesha statue will be ceremonially immersed in the sea, symbolising Lord Ganesha’s return to Mount Kailash.
Organisers say the festival not only strengthens spiritual ties between Thailand and India but also gives Phuket’s green-season tourism a powerful boost. Indian visitor numbers to the island have surged in recent years, with more than 300,000 arrivals recorded in the first half of 2025 alone.
“The Ganesh Chaturthi festival represents harmony, unity, and cultural exchange,’ said Rawai Mayor Thames Kraithat. “It creates new opportunities for Phuket to welcome both devotees and curious visitors, while supporting jobs, businesses, and the local economy.”
With Phuket’s first Ganesh Chaturthi festival now underway, organisers hope the celebration will become an annual tradition, drawing even larger crowds and establishing the island as a global destination for faith-based tourism.
The festival runs from Aug 27–31 at the Sri Mantra Kanabode Ganesha Temple in Rawai and throughout Phuket Old Town.