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Phuket Vegetarian Festival -
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The origins of the festival are not totally clear but it is believed that, back in the early 19th Century, when Phuket island had a lot more jungle than now, malaria was rife. It is said that the members of a wandering Chinese opera group were struck down by the disease. To rid themselves of the malaria they adhered to a strict vegetarian diet and prayed to the Nine Emperor Gods for purification of the mind and body.
Upon their recovery from what was at that time a fatal disease, the community celebrated by holding a festival to honour the gods.
This vegetarian festival became an annual event and it always falls on the first days of the ninth Chinese lunar month, and for nine days participants observe the following commitments:
- Cleanliness of the body during the festival
- Clean kitchen utensils not to be used by others who do not participate in the festival
- Wear white during the festival
- Behave physically and mentally
- Avoid eating meat
- Avoid sex
- Avoid alcohol
- People in mourning should not participate
- Pregnant women and menstruating women should not attend ceremonies
For some, one of the most exciting aspects of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is the various ceremonies which take place in the vicinity of the six Chinese temples scattered throughout Phuket. The main temple for the ceremonies is Jui Tui Shrine not far from the Fresh Market in Phuket Town.
Now this is where it can get gruesome and definitely not for the feint hearted. These ceremonies include firewalking, body piercing and other acts of self-mortification. Men and women puncture their cheeks with various implements including knives, skewers and other household items. It is believed that the Chinese gods will protect such persons from harm, and sure enough little blood or scarring results from these acts.
The afternoon before the Phuket Vegetarian Festival begins, a great pole, called the Go Teng pole, is raised at each temple. This is to invite the gods to descend. At midnight the pole is hung with nine lanterns to signal the beginning of the festival.
Throughout the festival fireworks and drums are sounded, especially during ceremonies. It is believed that the louder they are the better, because the noise drives away evil spirits.
Over the next few days, the local Chinese/Thai community bring their household gods to the temple, along with offerings of food and drink. This annual outing for the household gods is to give them an injection of spiritual energy that fills the temple. As a visitor you can observe these formalities and if you wish you can join in lighting the joss sticks and candles that are placed around the various gods.
Other events you can see include street processions, the participants of which are in a trance, groups of people running across buring coals and locals climbing an eight metre ladder of sharp blades while in trance.
Participants in the festival keep to a strict vegetarian diet for a varying number of days, usually no less than three. This they do to make themselves strong in mind and body.
This means that, apart from the visual spectacle of this festival, you can enjoy especially prepared vegetarian cuisine at street stalls and markets around the island. Soybean and protein substitute are used instead of meat and taste amazingly like the real thing. Look for the yellow flags with red Chinese or Thai characters to find vegetarian food stalls.
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival then is quite an event but I have to confess it is not for me. I'll enjoy the Thai vegetarian food without the self-mortification thank you very much.
Return from Phuket Vegetarian Festival To Phuket Island
