The announcement was made at a ‘Governor Meets the Media’ press conference at Phuket Provincial Hall last Friday (Aug 8), led by Governor Sophon Suwannarat, with Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob and representatives from the private sector and local media in attendance.
Ms Wachira Permsuriya, speaking on behalf of the founder of the Sri Mantra Ganapathi Ganesha Temple in Rawai, said the event will run from Aug 27–31 at the temple and in Phuket Old Town.
The sacred Hindu festival, celebrated annually in India and by Hindu communities worldwide, honours the birth of Lord Ganesha – regarded as the remover of obstacles and bringer of prosperity. Organisers say the Phuket event will follow traditional Indian customs and is expected to attract visitors from around the globe.
The highlight will be a grand procession through Phuket Old Town on Aug 27, starting at 5:30pm, featuring a dedicated Indian drum troupe (Dhol-Tasha), auspicious flower-scattering, colourful rangoli (sacred sand) patterns and appearances by well-known Thai celebrities.
The festival will conclude with the ‘Visarjan’ immersion ceremony at Rawai Beach on Aug 31, symbolising Ganesha’s return to Mount Kailash.
Other scheduled events include:
- Aug 27 – Ganesha Enshrining and Bathing Ceremonies; Grand Procession
- Aug 28 – Atharva Veda Chanting for blessings; Consecration ceremonies
- Aug 29-30 – Consecration and Holy Bathing Ceremonies; cultural performances; offering of 56 dishes (Chappan Bhoga) and Grand Aarti Recitation
- Aug 31 – Final wedding ceremony; Visarjan immersion at Rawai Beach
Ms Wachira said the temple aims to position itself as a new spiritual tourism destination in Phuket, offering visitors more than beaches and nightlife. “This celebration will not only promote faith and devotion, but also serve as a cultural bridge between Thailand and India,” she said.
Governor Sophon added that hosting Ganesha Chaturthi in Phuket reflects the province’s commitment to diversifying its tourism appeal and creating new attractions rooted in cultural exchange, said an official report of the announcement.