Those who missed the goi hoi fire walks yesterday still have two more opportunities to take in the spectacle over the weekend. Cherng Talay Shrine is one of several shrines at which Masong will climb bladed ladders this evening in alternative acts of self mortification.
Tomorrow is the final full day of the festival and will be celebrated with the Nine Emperor Gods Farewell parade. Each of the shrines at which Masong have mortified themselves will join together for the procession to Saphan Hin Park.
On Sunday evening, go teng lantern poles will be hoisted up at the shrines to allow the gods to safely ascend to heaven for another year. 12GO ASIA explains that the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival offers illuminating insights into the island’s rich heritage and traditions.
Fire walks signal restart of Phuket Veggie Fest
News in Asia
The sight of people walking on fire last night was a signal Phuket’s 2017 Vegetarian Festival was coming back to life. At Phuket shrines including Jui Tui, religious devotees known as Masong walked across the hot beds of embers in a time-honoured rite called goi hoi.