I can never get enough of this event. Here’s another festival that I’ve been top multiple times and always come away leaving with mixed emotions. What did I actually see? Spirits entering a person’s body, an exorcism, a spiritual cleansing? Was it the mind over coming pain? Or was this a farce, a spectacular event put on just for local and foreigners. I imagine it’s a little bit of all the above. Thousands come to Phuket, Thailand’s premier island, to witness the unthinkable.
The Thai-Chinese in Phuket have long passed on the vegetarian festival to purify mind and soul by refraining from meat consumption and meditating. Symbolising the presence of the deities throughout the festival are 9 lanterns lit up and placed aloft on Ko Teng poles. On the 6th day of the festival, there are religious processions and incredible displays of face-and-body piercing. On the last day, a “Koi Han” ceremony to exorcize ill fortune and a farewell ceremony for the deities at night.
The Vegetarian Festival sets the bar high for all other wild, wacky and bizarre festivals in the world.
I’ve uploaded these images and more into my Phuket Vegetarian Photoshelter Gallery:
Phuket Vegetarian – Images by Jeff Henig