PHUKET: EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
People of Thailand are legendary for their affection towards enthusiasm, excitement, recreation and gratification. Phuket, the jewel of the Andaman Sea, is certainly no stranger to that and plays host to numerous festivals and exceptional events throughout the year.
Some of the most colorful and lively events are enlisted herein:
SONGKRAN FESTIVAL (April 12-15):
The Songkran Festival is the biggest event on the calendar, celebrating the Thai New Year. If you don’t want to get wet, this is certainly not the right time to get outdoors!
This is an energetic and passionate celebration of the Water Goddess, with water-riots all across the town, drenching the crowds in a mass gala event of fun and exhilaration.
TURTLE RELEASING FESTIVAL:
This is a unique attribute of the Songkran Festival, when the Thai people proudly release hundreds of bay turtles, along with several species of birds and fishes, to celebrate the freedom of life.
VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL:
This is one of the most widely known festivals around the world and signifies the fruits of pain and self-sacrifice. This festival initiates on the first day of the ninth Chinese lunar month (usually in October) and continues for 9 days.
During this event, selected participants execute startling and fairly gruesome acts of self-mutilation, in a state of ecstatic and blissful trance.
LOY KRATONG:
This is a picturesque commemoration of the “Festival of Light”. This festival marks the veneration of evil spirits and washing off of one’s sins by sending off kratongs or small floats crafted from banana leaves, flowers, candles etc off in the water.
PATONG CARNIVAL:
This event marks the official commencement of the Tourist season, and is characterized by lively colorful events, extravagant layout of delicious cuisines and of course the vibrancy of the Thai culture.
The festivals of Phuket are a unique kaleidoscope of the Thai society and offer a deep sensuousness of both the bizarre and the best.
