Schedule
: 5-14 October 2002
Venue
: All over Phuket
Origin
:
Thais of Chinese ancestry in Phuket have engaged in the
Vegetarian Festival since ancient times.
Participants would abstain from sins, meditate and forgo
the consumption of all meats and only take vegetables and
fruits. Prohibited vegetables also include onions, garlic
and some types of pungent vegetables. The festival has evolved
to become a major event of the province.
Activities :
For 9 days and 9 nights, participants abstain from eating
meat and pungent vegetables.
The first day (first full-moon night in August) people will
perform 3 ceremonies to pay homage to spirits by lighting
9 oil lanterns and hanging them at the end of a Koteng stick.
This signifies the start of the festival.
On the 6th full-moon night there is a procession of a god
blessing animals and another of mediums. Each medium wears
costumes and bears arms. At least one tender follows a medium.
The procession also bears puppets of Chinese monks and there
is a show of magical powers of the ceremonial horse.
The last day is reserved for the Koei Han ceremony, done
to bring good luck and another evening ceremony. Tables
with offerings to gods are lined along the route and firecrackers
are lit.
After the 9 days and nights, the next day the Koteng sticks
are lowered and the festival comes to an end.
| Nearby
Tourist Spots : |
| -
Phrom Thep Cape (Muang) |
| |
is
a popular site to see the beautiful sunset. This is
where the sun sets the latest in Thailand. |
| -
Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Si Sunthon Monument (Thalang) |
| |
is
an important historical site of Phuket. |
| -
Wat Chalong (Muang) |
| |
houses
the sacred Buddha images of Luang Pho Chaem and Luang
Pho Chuang. |
| -
Phuket Fantasea (Krathu) |
| |
is
a famous attraction of Phuket as it puts on a spectacular
show called "The Wonders of Kamala." Moreover, the park
has many kinds of folk plays guided by the staff that
wears Thai costumes. |
| For
more information, contact : |
| -
TAT Southern Region Office: Area 4 (Phuket). |
| |
Tel.
(076) 212213, 217138, fax (076) 213582 |
