The event was held at the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Chao Fah Hotel in Wichit, with Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Somprat Prabsongkram acting as chairman of the occasion.
Jar Ganet, chairman of the Thai Nepali Association, Phuket, explained, “The Hartalika Teej is a special day for women of Nepali descent. The festival also continues the good culture of Thai Nepali people, which has been passed down for a long time.”
At the event on Friday, special ceremonies were held to mark the occasion, along with cultural performances.
Ratchanee Khanal, a Phuket Nepali woman, explained that the ‘Teej’ is a special day for women of Nepali descent. In addition to celebrating the culture of Thai-Nepalese people, it also marks the exchange of love for each other, and promoties tourism,” she said.
“The Teej Festival, or Nepal Women’s Day, is a festival that commemorates the reunion of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. On this day women pay home to the two gods, which helps to protect husbands and family to be happy. Single women also pray that they will find a good husband,” Ms Ratchanee said.
“In addition, this festival is also an occasion for daughters who have already been married and left the family home. The festival provides an opportunity for them to return and visit their parents at home. Therefore it is a day of happiness for women,” she added.
“On this day, women receive special treatment from men, including fathers, brothers, and Nepali women strictly observe precepts, they fast, and bathe in holy waters to purify their bodies before worshiping Lord Shiva. Then there are traditional dances and songs in homage to Lord Shiva.
“t is a special occasion for women that men honour and take good care of women. Meanwhile, women observe precepts and ask for blessings for their husbands and families, which is a practice for creating true love within the family,” Ms Ratchanee said.