The event, rooted in traditional Indian culture and Hindu belief, promises to bring a vibrant new spiritual experience to the island ‒ and with it, thousands of international visitors, organisers say.
The Ganesha Srimanta Ganpati Temple in Rawai officially announced the festival’s arrival during a press conference, unveiling plans to celebrate the revered Hindu deity Lord Ganesha in a way never before seen in Thailand.
Paphasorn Meepa, founder of the Ganesha Srimanta Ganpati Temple, said the event would mark an important moment in Phuket’s cultural and spiritual tourism landscape.
“We want the world to know that Phuket is now home to a sacred statue of Lord Ganesha in his Dakduseth form ‒ considered the richest and most auspicious form in Hindu belief. This is a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage for many, and now they can make that journey here in Thailand,” Mr Paphasorn said.
The event, which will centre on Aug 27, will feature a grand Ganesha procession through Phuket Old Town, complete with traditional Dhol-Tasha drum groups flown in from India, flower scattering rituals, and the sprinkling of langkuli and sacred sand in line with ancient customs. A number of well-known Thai celebrities are also expected to take part.
The highlight aims to be both spiritually significant and visually spectacular, designed to honour over 135 years of Ganesha Chaturthi tradition while introducing a new platform for intercultural exchange.
“Phuket already has its beaches, entertainment and nightlife,” Mr Paphasorn added. “Now we offer faith-based tourism ‒ a reason for people from all backgrounds to come and experience peace, devotion, and cultural beauty.”
The launch event was attended by Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, President of the Phuket Tourist Association, who hailed the development as a milestone in attracting a broader tourist base, particularly from India.
“Indian tourism in Phuket has grown by over 100% since 2019. We’ve welcomed more than 300,000 Indian visitors in just the first half of this year alone,” Mr Thaneth said. “This festival is not only a spiritual event but also an economic catalyst. It will support Phuket’s hospitality, retail, food, and transport sectors.”
Also in attendance was Rawai Mayor Thames Kraitat, who underscored Phuket’s multicultural heritage and the importance of embracing inclusive community spaces.
“Phuket is a place where cultures converge. This temple and its Ganesha Chaturthi celebration are not just religious landmarks ‒ they’re symbols of harmony and unity,” he said. “We invite everyone ‒ Thai and foreign ‒ to come and experience this unique spiritual gathering.”
The press conference also featured the official launch of the Ganesha Chaturthi logo for Phuket. Dignitaries included Prakasji Chanwal, President of the Sawanyuk Thurna Mandir Club and Executive Board Member of the renowned Sriman Dagduseth Halwai Ganpati Foundation in Pune, India ‒ the same foundation whose traditions will inspire the Phuket ceremony.
Organisers say the festival aims to become an annual spiritual pilgrimage and cultural exchange event, helping Phuket position itself as a global faith tourism destination.
This year’s celebration is expected to draw large crowds from across Thailand, India, and beyond ‒ uniting people in devotion, culture and peace.