Phuket's Vegetarian Festival Kicks Off: A Blending of Tradition and Taste

[snoop1130]

 

Phuket's renowned Vegetarian Festival commenced with grandeur on the evening of October 2. The traditional rite of raising the Go Teng poles at various Chinese shrines on the island marked the start of the 9-day fiesta, promising a cultural spectacle for both locals and tourists.

 

The epicenter of this event, Jui Tui Tao Bokeung Shrine in Phuket Town, attracted thousands of people eager to witness this special ceremony. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, known to the Phuket locals from his time as Tourism and Sports Minister, led the proceedings. He was accompanied by the Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, and other eminent individuals like Kittiwong Chansattam, who is the Chairperson of the Jui Tui Tao Bokeung Foundation.

 

Dressed in white, a large crowd of locals and tourists were present to observe the ceremonial lift of the Go Teng pole, which is ornamented with nine lanterns representing deities. This act marks the formal start of the 2024 Vegetarian Festival, or the Jia Chai Festival as it is fondly called.

Other shrines across the island like Bang Neow, Lo Rong, Sam Kong, Kuan Yu, and Kathu, also held similar pole-raising ceremonies, indicating a common celebration. As the festival continues, additional spiritual rituals, such as the Iu Keng ceremony featuring spirit mediums performing citywide, will be carried out.

 

An intriguing part of the festival is where these spirit mediums invoke deities and perform acts of self-sacrifice, thereby reinforcing their faith and absorbing the misfortunes of those present.

 

This lively festival will carry on until October 11, with parades, vegetarian food offerings, and divine blessings across the island. The famous street parades will commence on October 4. Starting at 7 am, the Guan Yu Shrine in Baan Nabon will lead the procession through the Palai area, followed by the Jchoor Su Gong Naka Shrine in Wichit at 7.30 am.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-10-03