Tradition and Spirituality – The Vegetarian Festival in Phuket

Phuket, often referred to as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea, is the largest island in Thailand and a major tourist and business center of the country. The island is known for its stunning white sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, diverse food culture and beautiful temples. In addition to the world-famous tourist attractions, Phuket also offers many lesser known, unspoiled places to discover. A particular highlight is the annual Vegetarian Festival, which is deeply rooted in the island's history and culture.

What is the Phuket Vegetarian Festival?

The nine-day festival is based on the Chinese community's belief that a vegetarian diet during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar year leads to good health and balance. Because it takes place in the ninth lunar month, the date of the festival varies from year to year. The festival attracts many tourists who are drawn to the fascinating and sometimes dangerous rituals.

The festival is mainly held in Phuket Town and at various Chinese shrines around the island, including Cherngthalay, Kathu and Thalang. Phuket Town is the best place to witness the festival, as it is here that the first pole-raising ceremony to invoke the nine gods takes place. During the nine days of the festival, all the Chinese shrines on the island take turns to perform this important ceremony.

Unique ceremonies and rituals

During the Vegetarian Festival, Phuket is transformed into a colorful world. The streets of the city are bustling with street vendors selling vegetarian food. The unique ceremonies that take place all over the island may seem gruesome to some, but they are a unique experience. The rituals look painful, but these extreme body piercings and other acts of self-mutilation are performed to invoke the gods. It is believed that the Mah Song (gods) take over the bodies of selected worshippers for the duration of the festival, protecting them from harm and preventing them from feeling pain.

History of the Festival

It is believed that the event began in 1825 when a group of Chinese opera singers visited Phuket to entertain Chinese tin workers who had settled in the Kathu district. Soon after, the opera singers fell ill with malaria and tried to cure themselves by not eating animal products and meat, strictly abstaining from sexual intimacy and alcohol, while praying to the nine emperor gods to purify their bodies and minds. Surprisingly, the method was successful and they recovered from the illness. Since then, the festival has been celebrated in honor of the nine gods and is one of the most important events held annually in Phuket.

Major shrines and their locations

During the Vegetarian Festival, ceremonies are held at many shrines on the island. Here are some of the major ones:

Jui Tui Shrine (Kew Ong)

Tha Rua Shrine

Sang Tham Shrine

Bang Neow Shrine

Kio Thian Keng Shrine

Hok Nguan Kong Shrine

Lai Thu Tao Bo Keng Shrine

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a fascinating and deeply culturally rooted event that offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich traditions and customs of the island. Whether you are drawn to the religious ceremonies, the unique vegetarian cuisine or the lively atmosphere, the festival offers an unforgettable experience that showcases Phuket's cultural diversity in all its facets.