Phuket Hosts Ganesh Chaturthi Festival for the Second Year, Bridging Thai–Indian Culture

Phuket —

On September 14th, 2026 the streets of Phuket’s Old Town came alive as the province celebrated the second annual Ganesh Chaturthi Festival, a cultural event that shows the spiritual and artistic ties between Thailand and India. Presided over by Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom, the opening ceremony drew officials, community leaders, and international guests, including representatives from the Indian Embassy.

Our previous story:

Phuket is preparing to welcome devotees and visitors to the Second Ganesh Chaturthi Festival, set to take place from September 14–18, 2026.

Organized by the Shrimant Ganpati Temple in Rawai, under the theme “Bridge of Faith and Culture.” The program blends Hindu religious traditions with Thai hospitality, offering visitors a chance to experience rituals, music, and performances rooted in Indian heritage.

Highlights of the Festival

• Opening Day Parade (Sept 14): A grand procession carried Lord Ganesha through Phuket’s Old Town, accompanied by traditional Dhol-Tasha drummers from India and cultural performances along the route.
• Rituals and Ceremonies:
  • Rishi Panchami prayers and Ganapati Atharvashirsha chanting (Sept 15)
  • Ganesh Yag ceremonies with cultural showcases (Sept 16)
  • 56 Bhog Seva — offering 56 auspicious foods, paired with Indian performances (Sept 17)
• Closing Ceremony (Sept 18): The sacred Ganesh Visarjan ritual, where devotees escort the deity from Rawai Temple to the sea, symbolizing renewal and spiritual release.

The Rawai temple, inspired by Pune’s renowned Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, serves as a spiritual hub for Phuket’s Hindu community and a cultural bridge for Thai–Indian relations. By hosting Ganesh Chaturthi, Phuket not only honors Hindu traditions but also enriches its identity as a multicultural destination.