Tofu and vegetable inspired delicacies plus signature Chinese desserts like moon cakes as well as fresh fruit juices have proved as popular with visitors this year as they usually do. Although the chance of sampling tasty drinks and meatless food are an essential part of the attractions, the other key draw is the sight of religious devotees inserting sharp objects into their skin.
These self-mortification rites are usually done when the participant is in a trance. Local legend has it that the acts banish evil spirits and bring good fortune for the next 12 months. The town’s Jui Tui Shrine is the focal point of these kinds of activities, but other Phuket locations such as Kathu and Cherng Talay also stage similar ones.
Fireworks and firecrackers are another integral feature of the Vegetarian Festival, but the town’s council has banned larger ones such as rockets from the town this year for safety reasons. Phuket Vegetarian Festival runs through until Wednesday 21 October. People travelling to the southern island for the festivities will discover 12GO ASIA offers convenience when buying tickets.
Annual veggie festival underway in Phuket Town
News in Asia
Phuket Town’s annual Vegetarian Festival began on Tuesday. Ethnic Chinese and other residents of the island have been joined by foreign tourists at food stalls in locations such as Ranong Road as well as local temples for what is known locally as Tessagan Gin Jay.