The festivities begin the evening before with the ritual raising of long-lantern poles (go teng) at shrines to enable the nine emperor gods to join in. It culminates with a grand finale on the ninth day when the poles are lowered again.
In the interim period, festival-goers are treated to spectacles that include colourful parades, fire-walking and self-mortification. The focal point of the festival is the Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket Old Town. Among other shrines where visitors can enjoy the festival are the nearby Put Jaw plus Kathu, Bang Neow and Cherng Talay.
Vegetarian food is on sale and vendors typically set up stalls near the shrines. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has printed up detailed festival timetables and these are available at participating shrines and the organisation’s local branch office.
To say the Phuket veggie fest is popular would be an understatement. Demand for tickets on transportation to the southern Thai island is high for the duration and we recommend that you buy your aeroplane, bus or train-bus combo ticket from 12GO ASIA as soon as possible.
Phuket releases schedule for annual vegetarian festival
News in Asia
Authorities on Phuket Island have released a schedule of events in time for the start of the annual vegetarian festival this weekend. The eagerly awaited cultural extravaganza will begin on Saturday 1 October and run through until Sunday 9 October.