Festival Week 2009
Samui Mala Festival 2009 was a multi day event, hosted at different venues on the island. Each activity was designated as a Festival Theme Day Event - all under the Samui Mala umbrella, culminating in a final festival celebration.
The themes of the festival all relate to healthy living on Samui – not only for personal health, but also for the health of the island and the planet.
Community festival
The Samui Mala is
supported by the host venues, local hotel and tourist associations,
private businesses and individuals. Our aim is to raise awareness of
sustainable, healthy living on Samui, create networks of individuals
interested in environmental issues and to raise funds to support
educational and charitable causes.
Everything is a gift! All activities are run by volunteers, all venues,
facilities and materials and participation by speakers or performers is
donated freely. While some venues and events can provide
facilities free of charge, others charge for entry or food and
drink to cover basic costs depending on circumstances, or to raise
funds for education or future activities.
Green Island:
Samui Mala is a green festival so
every attempt is made to use as little paper or non-recyclable material
as possible. Please join friends and drive together to save fuel.
Please consider alternate and mindful ways to use materials and
resources that are local, sustainable or regenerative!
Events 2009
September 19
Racing for a greener Samui: Just before the Samui Mala, the island hosted the very successful Koh Samui Trophy, an adventure race including cycling, running, kayaking and swimming.
September 19 – 27
Racing to unwind: As
an antidote to such extreme activity, and as part of the Mala
celebrations, local independent and hotel Samui spas offered an Xtreme spa promotion for
visitors to Samui during Samui Mala week, for the spouses and friends
of the adventure race attendees, and for any ‘survivors’ of the
adventure race.
Monday, September 21
Yoga and peace day on the UN day of peace: Yoga Thailandhosted a yoga program as a "Day of Peace Retreat".
Including guided ashtanga yoga, guided Pranayama basics and a
discussion on fasting, healing & peace. At sunset everyone joined
for a chant for peace. The donation for admission will go towards Yoga
Thailand’s Centered Foundation charity project (renovating temples and
schools in Samui).
Wednesday, September 23
Green Day: The Thai Hotel Association of Samui
seized the day to showcase and demonstrate their green activities with
carbon kids, recycling and more. This was well attended at Wat Plai
Laem school.
Thursday, September 24
Blue Day: GIDOA (Green Island Dive Operators Association) held a “Blue Day” to focus on the beach and sea and environmental educational seminars at Kandaburi Resort & Spa. Members made various educational presentations on sharks, Biorock® technology and reefs and offered Snorkel and Discover Scuba Lessons/Sessions for children.
Friday, September 25
Healing Forum at Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa
focusing on health of body, mind, spirit and the environment was well
attended by locals and visitors. Titled “Healing ourselves, healing our
world. A conversation among friends”, a forum met to explore Samui’s
role as a healing island, and the relationship between personal and
environmental health. Pioneers in the island’s health and spiritual
history joined others interested in the healing arts to participate in
a frank discussion. The day included a guided walk with the resort’s
architect, an art exhibition for local artists, uplifting music and a
taste of healthy foods and drinks from Kamalaya's award winning kitchen.
Saturday, September 26
Green Kids Day at Blue Water School
focused on environmental education through fun. Children from all
communities on the island spent the day together enjoying activities,
films, competitions, martial arts demonstrations, song and dance and a
chance to become the stewards of the environment they will inherit. At
the same venue the Womens Business Network working with the Rotary Club of Koh Samui
will organized a ‘recycled retail’ area to raise funds to buy a new
respirator for the Nathon hospital. Other shopping treats will include
locally sourced goodies from food to handicrafts.
Sunday, September 27
Samui Mala celebration Following the success of the last two years’ Samui Mala Celebration the closing party in the beautiful grounds of Tamarind Springs
was again a fabulous opportunity to celebrate, wrap up and network. A
great showcase of the world-class musical talent of Samui’s performers
and a chance for everyone to party the night away. The Thai Hotel
Association members outdid themselves with delicious food offerings,
and Coyote’s magic jungle juice was much appreciated as well.
See Samui Mala final party on Samui insight TV.
LIVING THE MALA
And out of this festival we were inspired to move beyond the event to ‘living the mala’: where people on the island can meet regularly via action, events, education or networking and to share their skills, knowledge, techniques and suggestions to help us all live together in a more harmonious and healthy environment.