Phuket, located in Southern Thailand facing the Andaman coastline is Thailand’s largest island. It is Thailand’s wealthiest province and one of its premier tourist destinations. This island is a melting pot of Buddhists, Muslims, Thai-Chinese and even sea gypsies. But since Thai culture is vastly influenced by Buddhism, over 90 percent of Thailand’s population follows Theravada Buddhism; Phuket has an abundance of unique Buddhist temples.
Every year the Thai Thepkasattri-Thao Sri Suntorn Festival is celebrated as a major two week long festival in Phuket covering history, culture and sporting events. The festival’s purpose is to pay tribute to the two heroic sisters Thao Sri Suntorn and Thao Thep Kasattri’s memory, as they are the ones who guided the community of Phuket to defend the island from Burmese troops. Therefore the celebration is usually taken place near the ‘Two heroines’ monument’.
This year the festival is arranged to take place from March 13 to 14. Some special sporting events will be there which will include bicycle racing and Thai boxing. But the most prominent events of Thao Thepkasattri-Thao Sri Suntorn Festival are the cultural events.
Created to please the ones who truly have an interest in Thai culture, these events provide the opportunity to observe an “Upasampada” which means “nearing or approaching the austere tradition”. It is basically the course of a novice obtaining the means of ordination to embark on a Buddhist simple life. Additionally, there will be a shadow puppet show, a sword dancing show and singing of traditional Thai lullabies. Apart from the array of events, the festival also features an assortment of Thai cuisine for the enjoyment of the visitors.
An extravagant show about Phuket’s history is said to be the highlight of this festival. The tale of Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Suntorn is narrated through this show depicting their bravery and leadership. Although this cultural event mainly caters to a Thai audience, the tourist will equally be delighted to witness it as it provides an immense knowledge about Thai history and culture.
The travellers to this part of Thailand can enjoy this festival at ease as they can let a Phuket resort take care of their accommodation and hospitality requirements. The choice of Millennium Resort Patong Phuket would be the smartest as it is one amazing 5-star Patong beach resort located surrounded by lush tropical landscapes.
