Phetchabun petrol station’s Ganesh Chaturthi tribute sparks lottery frenzy

A petrol station owner in Phetchabun lowered fuel prices to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, drawing attention from lottery enthusiasts eager to find lucky numbers in the firecracker tails. The event included discounts, free food, and a large Ganesh statue.

The petrol station in Yang Ngam, Nong Phai District, owned by Chanapon, has a strong devotion to Lord Ganesha. To mark Ganesh Chaturthi on September 7, the station reduced diesel prices by 1 baht per litre, while gasohol 91 and 95 were discounted by 50 satangs per litre.

Chanapon’s devotion to Ganesha began about 10 years ago when he rented a small plot to open a two-pump station. He regularly prayed to Ganesha, especially on important occasions, offering various items. This devotion, he believes, contributed to the gradual success and expansion of his business.

Today, the station has grown to eight pumps and owns its own fuel trucks. Chanapon attributes this success to both honest business practices and his family’s faith in Ganesha. In gratitude, he built a large Ganesh statue at the station’s entrance for devotees to offer prayers.

The Ganesh Chaturthi festival, celebrated by Hindus to honour the birth of Ganesha, started on September 7 and will continue until September 17 this year. To celebrate, Chanapon organised a special promotion for customers refuelling on the first day of the festival.

Besides fuel discounts, the station hosted a grand ceremony, offering free meals, rice, and drinking water to attendees. The highlight of the ceremony was the lighting of firecrackers, with participants eagerly awaiting the revelation of the auspicious numbers on the firecracker tails.

Good luck

“My family and I have deep faith in Lord Ganesha. When we started, we rented a small space with just two pumps, and we prayed to Ganesha regularly. Over the years, our business improved steadily.

“We now own the land and have expanded to eight pumps, including our own fuel trucks. I believe our success is partly due to our devotion to Ganesha. That’s why I decided to build the large Ganesha statue here, so others can also pray and seek blessings.”

The ceremony concluded with the lighting of firecrackers, a tradition believed to bring good luck. Attendees were keen to note the numbers revealed on the firecrackers, hoping for a stroke of luck. The auspicious numbers were 695, 67, and 3650.

The event underscored the strong cultural and religious ties within the community, blending business and faith in a unique celebration. This annual festival not only honours Ganesha but also brings the community together, offering a moment of shared faith and festivity.