The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is again going to embark on the lively activities from September 27 – October 5, 2011 in various Chinese shrines of Phuket’s Muang district.

The Phuket Vegetarian festival has long tradition among Thai-Chinese people in Phuket. In order to purify mind and soul, people will refrain from meat consumption and practice meditation throughout the 9 days & 9 nights of the festival.

On the first day nine lanterns will be lit and placed over “Ko Teng” poles, symbolizing a presence of nine Chinese deities. After that, the deities will be led to stay at their shrine with people come to pray for them three times a day.

The highlight of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a religious processions and an incredible showing of body piercing on the sixth day of the festival. Those who have their face or body pierced are assuming themselves as a medium to the Chinese deities. It is believed that a supernatural power of the deities will protect the mediums from pain, so they won’t be hurt even when they have a sharp sword pushed through their skin.

“Koi Han” ceremony will be held on the last day of the event to drive out bad fortune and non-vegetarians are welcome to also join the ceremony. A celebration will be held on the last night of the festival as a farewell to all the deities.

Date: September 27 – October 05, 2011
Venue: Various Chinese shrines, Muang District, Phuket

For more information, please contact:
TAT Phuket
Phone: +66 (0) 76-211-036, +66 (0) 76 212-213
Website: Phuket Vegetarian Festival

By Suttira Kaewthep