Thalang-
Residents of Ban Don and neighboring villages gathered at Wat Thep Kasattri—locally known as Wat Ban Don—to celebrate the annual Sart Duan Sib Festival, one of Phuket’s most cherished Buddhist traditions.
Held on the eighth waning moon day of the tenth lunar month, this year’s event drew hundreds of participants who came together to honor their ancestors and uphold a legacy of community unity. Central to the celebration was the much-anticipated Jad parade, featuring whimsical and symbolic effigies—ranging from mythical beasts and cartoonish spirits to handcrafted representations of ancient folklore. These “Jad” figures, often resembling pret (hungry ghosts) or fantastical creatures, were created by local families, businesses, and government agencies, then paraded through the village before being offered to the temple.
The parade is more than spectacle—it’s a heartfelt ritual rooted in Buddhist teachings and Southern Thai heritage. For the people of Ban Don, Sart Duan Sib is a sacred time to make merit, remember the departed, and reinforce bonds within the community. Many residents, especially women across generations—from toddlers to elders—took time off work to participate in the festivities, showing the day’s significance.
“This isn’t just a tradition—it’s our identity,” said one local elder. “We come together not only to honor our ancestors but to teach our children where they come from.”
Organized annually by the Ban Don community, the event reflects a deep commitment to preserving cultural values and sustaining Buddhist practices. Locals see the festival as a bridge between generations, with younger attendees gaining firsthand experience of customs that have endured for centuries.
The growing involvement of youth in recent years has been particularly encouraging. Many families view the festival as an opportunity to instill respect for tradition and foster a sense of belonging. As one participant noted, “It’s heartening to see young people embracing our heritage—not just observing it, but living it.”
The Sart Duan Sib celebration at Wat Ban Don is a powerful reminder of how faith and folklore continue to shape Phuket’s cultural landscape. Through the Jad parade and communal merit-making, the people of Ban Don reaffirm their dedication to Buddhism, their love for their community, and their hope that these traditions will thrive for generations to come.
