The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a very colorful and unusual celebration that takes place during the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. Formally known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, the event this year falls on September 26 – October 4. It is an outstanding 9-day event deep-rooted in tradition and the beliefs of the local Chinese community.
The festival is a wonderful mix of tradition and shock factor. It celebrates the belief that abstinence from meat and other negative stimulants during the festival will lead to overall good health and a clear mind. Devotees follow a strict vegan diet, wear white and keep pure thoughts.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrations are held across the island. The members of the Chinese shrine’s parade through Phuket Town on different days and times throughout the festival.
The History
The history behind the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is unclear and there are a variety of stories. The most widely accepted story goes that many years ago, a famous Chinese opera crew travelled to Phuket to perform for the Chinese inhabitants of the island. After they arrive, the entire crew fell extremely ill and traditional medicine did not help them. The group decided to go on a strict vegan diet and pray to the Nine Emperor Gods in order to purify their bodies and minds. Shortly later the entire Chinese opera crew regained their health. The island’s Chinese community widely accepted this practice and it has been passed down for generations- the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival was born.
The Festival
Besides wearing white, thinking pure thoughts and not eating meat the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is known for its extreme rituals. Not only do devotees adopt a special diet, but a select few also prove their devotion by doing self-mutilation. During the celebration procession you can see the often these rituals which include cheek piercing with extreme objects and barefoot walking over hot coals. Devotees believe that the Chinese gods will protect them from harm.
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival starts with the raising of a bamboo pole in each Chinese shrine across the island. The pole is to invite the Nine Emperor Gods down to earth. This ceremony is relatively calm and peaceful however during the rest of the Vegetarian Festival things get a little more interesting! Devotees dress in brightly coloured traditional Chinese costumes and participate in a variety of lengthy parades, body piercings and mutilations. There are loud sounds of fireworks and lots of vegetarian food offerings.
The last night of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a spectacular, not to be missed event. This is the night where it is time to send the Nine Emperor Gods back. Devotees from all of the Chinese shrines across the island converge in Phuket Town and make their way through the streets to Saphan Hin Park. Nearly every establishment in Phuket Town sets off fireworks, hurled at devotees as they traipse their way through the streets. The celebration is loud and smoke-filled, and truly has to be seen to be believed. The festival ends just after midnight, once devotees have sent the Nine Emperor Gods back.
What to Eat During the Vegetarian Festival
It may be referred to as the Vegetarian Festival, however the food sold is vegan. Vendors and restaurants all over Thailand participate by selling “jay” food, using yellow flags with red Thai or Chinese characters to show their participation. The art of “jay” food is that many of the dishes look and taste like meat using soybean and protein substitutes to replace meat. Food stands along the roads leading to Phuket Town and near the temples display and sell these “vegetarian” dishes.
Once in a Life Time Experience
Experiencing the festival is a once in a life-time experience and it really needs to be seen to be believed. It is best to wear white when attending any of the celebrations or rituals of the festival to better blend in. Remember to be respectful when inside of a Chinese shrine as it is a place of worship. Most importantly, don’t forget to bring your camera as the photo opportunities during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival are endless!
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