The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is one of the biggest annual events in Phuket Island which is held on the 9th lunar month of the Chinese Calendar, usually in September or October.
The festival is renowned for its “extraordinary” festivities, encompassing rituals that call upon deities, ranging from firewalking to body piercing. Participants, who serve as conduits for the divine, engage in acts of self-mortification, with each passing year witnessing increasingly breathtaking and audacious displays.
In the lead-up to the Vegetarian Festival, vibrant yellow Chinese flags unfurl along the streets and intersections, particularly in proximity to Chinese temples. Stages, embellishments, and parade paraphernalia congregate in the vicinity of the shrines, while numerous food stalls spring up nearby.
What is so Special about the Phuket Vegetarian Festival
For Several days, the streets leading to the shrines in Phuket Town are lined with food stalls showcasing an array of vegetarian dishes, coming in various creative shapes and sizes (although they often share a similar taste). Curiously, real vegetables are a rare sight – most offerings comprise noodles, deep-fried delicacies, and tofu cleverly fashioned to resemble meat, with genuine vegetables in short supply.
Note: Most non-vegetarian restaurants in Phuket Town will close for a week, but the restaurants in all beach resorts will operate normally, so don’t worry too much.
Beside all the delicious vegetarian food, there will be extreme performance from the medium. Both men and women pierce their cheeks with sharp objects, such as knives and skewers. This act is rooted in the belief that the Chinese gods will protect them from harm, leading to minimal bloodshed and scarring.
Throughout this occasion, many individuals delight in igniting firecrackers. If you decide to participate in the event, it’s advisable to exercise caution to avoid any potential injuries.
The Ceremonies take place in 6 Chinese temples in Phuket. The main temple is JUi Tui Shrine located in Phuket Town. It will be super Crowded and most people will wear all white.
What are requirement you need to do to participate
To participate in the festival, adhering to the following rules and commitments is essential:
- Maintain Personal Hygiene Throughout the Festival.
- Ensure Exclusive Use of Clean Kitchen Utensils for Festival Participants Only.
- Dress in White Attire During the Festival.
- Demonstrate Respectful Behavior, Both Physically and Mentally.
- Abstain from Consuming Meat Throughout the Festival.
- Refrain from Engaging in Sexual Activities During the Festival.
- Avoid Consumption of Alcohol During the Festive Period.
- Those in Mourning Should Refrain from Taking Part in the Festival.
- Pregnant and Women on their period Should Not Attend Ceremonies.
Conclusion:
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival, held annually in September or October, features extraordinary rituals like firewalking and body piercing, with participants acting as medium for divine forces. The Streets leading to Chinese temples are decorated with yellow flags and food stalls, offering creative vegetarian dishes. .
Even if you don’t adhere to the festival’s strict rules, you can still savor a variety of vegan cuisine and enjoy the captivating performances day and night. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be overlooked.