Phuket's Ganesh Chaturthi Festival connects Thai and Indian faiths, held over five full days from 14-18 September 2026. The highlight is the grand procession of Lord Ganesha through the old town, attended by tens of thousands of locals and tourists alike.
At 7:00 p.m. on 14 September 2026, at the Charter Bank intersection in Phuket's old town, the 2nd Phuket Ganesh Chaturthi Festival ceremony took place. Present were Mr. Chotinrin Kerdsom, Phuket's governor, along with Mr. Romdon Haji Awae and Mr. Suwit Phansengiam, deputy governors. Ms. Papatsorn Mipa, managing director of Phuket Nine Co., Ltd., the event organizer, and Mr. Santosh R. P. Singhji, Second Secretary (Consular) of the Indian Embassy, attended. Representatives from government, private sectors, Thai and Indian communities, and both local and international tourists also participated in large numbers.
The festival's highlight was the Lord Ganesha procession through Phuket's old town, reflecting a blend of Indian culture with the unique identity of Phuket city. Two Dhol-Tasha drum troupes from India, totaling over 50 performers, joined the parade along with various cultural activities and performances along the route, creating a vibrant atmosphere of faith in the old town area.
The Ganesh Chaturthi Festival takes place from 14-18 September 2026 at the Shri Mant Ganpati Temple in Rawai, Mueang Phuket district, celebrating an important Hindu festival honoring Lord Ganesha. The event opens the space for locals and tourists to closely experience Indian art, culture, and traditions.
The activities over the five-day period include:
14 September 2026 marks the festival's opening day with the ceremonial installation of Lord Ganesha's idol.
On 15 September, ceremonies include Rishi Panchami, the chanting of Ganapati Atharvashirsha, and the Ganesh Yag ritual.
16 September continues with the Ganesh Yag ceremony alongside cultural performances and activities.
On 17 September, the 56 Bhog Seva offering ceremony takes place, accompanied by special performances from India.
The festival concludes on 18 September with the Ganesh Visarjan ritual. Devotees join the procession escorting Lord Ganesha from Shri Mant Ganpati Temple to Rawai Beach, where the idol is ceremonially immersed in the sea, marking the festival's end and symbolically returning the deity to the divine realm. The temple is located in Rawai Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district.
The festival originated from the faith and dedication of its founder, inspired by Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati in Maharashtra, India. Its goal is to serve as a place of worship and a center of faith, as well as a cultural bridge connecting Thai and Indian people and traditions.
This festival is not only a religious celebration but also showcases Phuket's history, culture, diversity, and spiritual sites. It aims to develop cultural tourism and provide new experiences for visitors worldwide. Organizers invite locals, tourists, Thai and Indian communities, and devotees to join the 2nd Phuket Ganesh Chaturthi Festival from 14-18 September 2026 at Shri Mant Ganpati Temple in Rawai, Mueang Phuket district.
