Phuket Vegetarian Festival

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October 17 - 21, 2001
Venue : Amphoe Kathu,Amphoe Muang & Amphoe Thalang,Phuket

It is not known for certain when the first Vegetarian Festival was first observed in Phuket. It is assumed that the custom started during the time of the Governor of Thalang in 1825 when a number of Chinese came to work in tin mines in Ban Get Hoe in Phuket, a settlement in which break-outs of malaria prevailed.
Legend has it that when a Chinese drama troupe on tour in Phuket succumbed to a malarial attack, they resorted to a strict vegetarian diet in the belief that by doing so good health would be restored. Followers abstain from meat, alcohol and sex during the nine days and nights that they pay homage to the Nine Emperor Gods (The Star Deities). The Chinese community subsequently sent an emissary to South China to learn more about the vegetarian ritual.
During the festival, which generally falls on the first nine days of the ninth Chinese lunar month, thousands of participants adopt a strict vegetarian diet to purify both body and mind in order to be able to take part in sacred rituals. Aesthetic displays performed by the participants include piercing of the body and face with sharp objects and walking barefooted on hot charcoal, all in the belief that good health and spiritual peace will be attained.

Contact Information :
TAT Southern Office : Region 4
E-mail : tathkt@phuket.ksc.co.th,
Phone : (076) 211-036, 212-213, 217-138
Fax : (076) 213-582