At sundown on the debut evening of the Vegetarian Festival, laypeople will extend traditional goteng poles skywards to provide ladders for the nine gods to descend on. Assistant-governor Prajiad Aksornthammakul said this year’s rites will include one on the second day to wish for good fortune for Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Food vendors at participating shrines and temples serve up a tantalising array of Chinese-themed vegetarian delicacies for festival attendees to sample. Visual spectacles are definitely worth seeing and include self mortification, body-piercing and walking on hot coals.
Assistant-governor Aksornthammakul stated that an events timetable would be released in the near future. He finished off by saying security would also be enhanced to ensure the safety of visitors.
Thousands of people from far and wide attend the Phuket Vegetarian Festival and demand for travel tickets to the island is high. Buying your tickets from 12GO ASIA ensures you will not be disappointed or have to wait around for an available seat.
Phuket confirms dates for popular annual Vegetarian Festival
News in Asia
The assistant-governor of Phuket Island has confirmed the dates for the 2016 Vegetarian Festival. The perennially favourite cultural extravaganza will be held between 1 and 9 October and will kick off with the usual rites to welcome the attendant deities down from their heavenly resting places.