Heroines’ Memorial Festival kicks off in Phuket today

PHUKET: The annual Heroines’ Memorial Fair kicked off today in Thalang, and will be running strong with historical and cultural activities to honor Thao Thepkrasattriand Thao Srisoonthorn for the next two weeks.

“The Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (PPAO), Phuket Culture Office and other local organizations are once again putting on the fair to honor the heroism of Lady Thepkrasattri and Lady Srisoonthorn,” said Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut.

“The event will teach the younger generations about the heroism of their ancestors, who sacrificed their blood and lives for the sake of generations to come.”

Among the events taking place to honor Thao Thepkrasattri and Thao Srisoonthorn, the famous heroines who led Siamese forces in repelling the 1785 Burmese invaders, will be a group monk ordination, group tours of the historical spots inThalang associated with the battle and sport competitions, as well as light and sound shows.

The schedule of events for the March 1-15 festival are as follows:

March 1
The group ordination of 21 Buddhist monks will take place at Wat Manik in Thalang. The monks will be walking every morning until March 15 to receive food and offerings from local residents.

March 7-9
Tours of historical locations will take place throughout Thalang.

March 9
Sport competitions will take place at Thalang Historical Park near the Heroines’ Monument.

March 12
Wat Moung Komaraphat will have a worship gathering in respect of ancestors.

March 13
At the significant time of 9:09am,there will be a ceremony to honor Thao Thepkrasattri and Thao Srisoonthorn. Officials will place garlands at the Heroines’Monument and praise the bravery of the two sisters.

March 13-15
Vendors will sell local food and One Tambon One Product (OTOP) goods around the monument starting at 5pm. Starting at 8:30pm, there will also be a light and sound show describing the history of Thalang.

— Saran Mitrarat