Vegetarian Festival Phuket

Join us for the annual Vegetarian Festival in Phuket, a celebration of Thai culture and tradition that takes place over the course of nine days in the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar.

During the Vegetarian Festival, participants observe a strict vegetarian diet and perform various acts of self-purification, such as abstaining from alcohol and sex, to cleanse the body and mind. This is believed to bring good luck and merit in the coming year.

The Vegetarian Festival has deep roots in Phuket’s Chinese heritage, and it is believed to have originated in the early 19th century. According to legend, a Chinese opera troupe visited Phuket during a plague epidemic, and they observed a strict vegetarian diet and performed rituals to appease the gods. The epidemic then subsided, and the people of Phuket began to associate the vegetarian diet with good health and fortune.

During the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket, participants engage in a range of activities, including processions, ceremonies, and rituals. These activities are centered around the local Chinese shrines, which are decorated with colorful flags and banners, and feature elaborate altars with offerings of fruits, flowers, and other symbolic items.

One of the most visually striking aspects of the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket is the “Ma Song,” or spirit mediums, who participate in the festival. The Ma Song are devotees who enter into a trance-like state and perform acts of self-mutilation, such as piercing their tongues, cheeks, and other body parts with sharp objects. This is believed to demonstrate their devotion and to invoke the blessings of the gods.

In addition to the spiritual and ritualistic aspects of the Vegetarian Festival, there are also a variety of cultural activities, such as food fairs, cultural performances, and market stalls selling vegetarian and vegan cuisine.

Join us for the nine-day Vegetarian Festival in Phuket to experience the magic and mystery of this ancient and beloved tradition. Come and see the vibrant culture and deep spirituality of Phuket’s Chinese community, and to participate in the unique rituals and ceremonies that make the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket such a special and memorable event.