To this effect few people ever need to have prolonged medical treatment, and although in the weeks after the festival many people will be seen covered in bandages, scarring is uncommon, stitching, even on individual devotees who impale their cheeks, is rare, and return to daily activity for the devotees occurs shortly after the completion of the ritual, frequently before the festival ends unless performed on the last days, much sooner than before the bandages themselves are removed. Train: Although there are no direct trains to Phuket, one can travel on trains going from Bangkok to Singapore and get off at Phun Phin railway station. What is the Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2022? There's a magic about this charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. Its an important site during the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival, when thousands of devotees come to hold ceremonies and eat vegetarian food during the events nine days. Sumber foto: AFP. I'm a lover of all things adventurous with a particular passion for scuba diving and exploring Thailand's beautiful islands and beaches. Joss sticks and candles are lit before placing the Gods in the temples. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a unique and exciting experience that will leave you with lasting memories. Thailands many festivals are always a marvel and something everyone should experience at least once. The dates change every year, as it's based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Khao Mok Kai () A dish that looks like chicken rice, but the chicken is replaced with tofu. How many days do you need and how to plan the best itinerary in Cambodia? The BRUTAL Phuket Vegetarian Festival: Not for the faint of heart! She has been living here for the past 5 years now and through Thailand Nomads, she shares her experiences and insights about the must-visit places in Thailand. Cindy quit her 9 to 5 job to pursue her passion for exploring mesmerizing locations in Thailand. During a period of nine days, those who are participating in the festival dress all in white and ghin jeh , which has come to be translated as abstinence from eating meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy products. The Rocket Festival (Boun Bang Fai) is a merit-making ceremony traditionally practiced by ethnic Lao people near the beginning of the wet season in numerous villages and municipalities, in the regions of Northeastern Thailand and Laos. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival attracts crowds of spectators because of many of the unusual religious rituals that are performed.[4][5]. The Vegetarian Festival is an internationally known event, and while it also happens modestly in Bangkok around the same dates, it is mostly a Phuket event. Locally referred to as the Kin Jay Festival, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a festival of the Nine Emperor Gods festival in Phuket. [4] [5] Shops in Phuket and throughout Thailand display red and yellow jay flags to indicate they are serving appropriate vegan food for observant participants. Vietnam stops Covid testing for all arrivals, Vietnam to treat foreign and domestic tourists alike: deputy PM. The architecture is heavily European, and the streets are lined with Sino-Portuguese buildings, quaint mansions, charming cafes and boutique shops. Liputan6dotcom. It falls usually in the month of September or October. Fortunately, the crew recovered from the disease and that is how the Phuket Vegetarian Festival came into being. When it comes to finding a place to stay during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, there are plenty of options available. The festivities will occur in and around the area of the six Chinese temples on Phuket Island. Vegetarian Festival Phuket 4.5 37 #16 of 38 things to do in Patong Cultural Events Visit website Write a review About Celebrated over 9 days in October, this Chinese festival dictates a strict vegetarian diet and period of abstinence whilst locals pray to the Nine Emperor Gods. One of the most popular dishes served during the festival is noodles. There are different stories behind how the Phuket Vegetarian Festival began, however the most widely accepted is the China Opera troupe Story. Menstruating women should not attend ceremonies; Pregnant women should not attend ceremonies; Participants should wear white during the festivities; Kitchen utensils that are clean should not be used by non-participants; Participants should have clean bodies during the festival. The history of this festival may be a bit unclear but it is commonly believed to have been brought by a Chinese opera group that got hit by the Malaria epidemic of the time. If you're looking for advice on planning the perfect trip to Thailand, I'm your man and can help you with everything from finding the best beaches and diving spots, to booking accommodation and tours. by tripsavvy. Wu, Jave (2008), Celebration The Nine Emperors is formed by the seven stars of the Big Dipper of the North Ursa Major (visible) and two assistant stars (invisible to most people). Observe proper hygiene practices to maintain the purity of the festival. The festival was meant to honour the gods and express the people's happiness at surviving what was, in the 19th century, a fatal illness. The festival also includes a vegetarian diet which consists of only vegetables, fruits, and nuts. The ceremonies take place in the vicinity of 6 Chinese temples in Phuket. During this time, locals take part in parades, street processions, temple ceremonies, and food offerings to honor their ancestors. A Guide to Thailand for Families With Kids. This was done to ensure that the body and the mind are cleansed or purified. Sat, Jun 25, 11:00 AM. In 2021 the festival was 5 - 15 October. Choose the country you plan to visit, then search for your nationality below to see our special travel tips & advice for your country. It always has been my favourite Phuket event / festival and I always used [] This procession symbolizes the purification of the body and soul before entering into a period of abstinence from meat consumption during the festival days. During this period of time, the constant tinkling of a prayer bell and chants from the temple priests are heard. WARNING! Read along to know about the most peculiar festival in Phuket- The Phuket Vegetarian Festival. 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", "The Most Colorful Festivals Worth Attending In Thailand", "15 years later, a vegan pioneer still sets the standard", "Celebrating the Vegetarian Festival 2022: where to go and what to eat", "Hat Yai prepares for start of the vegetarian festival on Monday", "How to Experience the Phuket Vegetarian Festival in Thailand", "NTU team to study popular Taoist festival of the Nine Emperor Gods", "Nine Emperor Gods Festival celebrated with many people of all races and religions", Nine Emperor Gods Temple in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2018 | Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2018 - Video, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nine_Emperor_Gods_Festival&oldid=1127955778, Tan Lang Tai Xing Jun ()1st Star (Visible) Bayer: UMa, Ju Men Yuan Xing Jun () 2nd Star (Visible) Bayer: UMa, Lu Cun Zhen Xing Jun () 3rd Star (Visible) Bayer: UMa, Wen Qu Niu Xing Jun () 4th Star (Visible) Bayer: UMa, Lian Zhen Gang Xing Jun () 5th Star (Visible) Bayer: UMa, Wu Qu Ji Xing Jun () 6th Star (Visible) Bayer: UMa, Po Jun Guan Xing Jun () 7th Star (Visible) Bayer: UMa, Zuo Fu Da Dao Xing Jun () 8th Star (Invisible), You Bi Da Dao Xing Jun () 9th Star (Invisible), This page was last edited on 17 December 2022, at 16:13. It's one of the main shrines taking part in the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival and is a place of worship and merit-making activity for the local Chinese-Thai community throughout the year. There are two terminals in the airport; Terminal 1 is used for international flights while Terminal 2 is used for domestic flights. [9], During the festival, food stalls sell Thai and Chinese food made without animal products. For several days, on both sides of Phuket Town streets leading to shrines, food stands display tons of vegetarian dishes in all imaginable shapes and sizes (but often have a very similar taste). The worshipers will follow the ten principles mentioned above to cleanse their spirits. Many tourists come from Malaysia. Vietnam or Thailand Travel: Which one should you visit? Here are our recommendation for your accommodation: Below is the Youtube video about Phuket Vegetarian Festival if you want to go further. Even so, most injuries are usually sustained from the indiscriminate use of firecrackers. 31. There are also performances by local musicians playing drums and gongs to accompany the procession. During this time, there are many food offerings available for visitors to enjoy without having to worry about consuming any animal products. 15 Islands Near Phuket Phuket Island Hopping, Jade Emperor and Nine Emperor Gods Welcoming Ritual, The Pilgrims Name Reading Ritual in The Sacred Hall, The Birth and Death of Humans Gods Welcoming Ritual, Big Dipper Astrolatry: Seven Star Worshipping Ritual, Jade Emperor and Nine Emperor Gods Retreating Ritual, Wear white clothes during the whole festival, Do not eat meat or animal products (milk, eggs, etc. It is a nine-day celebration of Chinese culture and vegetarianism that has been celebrated for over 200 years. Email:jordan@thailandnomads.com, https://www.thailandnomads.com/author/cindyb/, Phuket Vegetarian Festival: The Complete Guide to Visiting It, 5 Best Cannabis Shops in Phuket - 2023 Travellers Guide, Best Muay Thai Training Centers in Koh Tao 2023 Guide, Everything You Need to Know About the Koh Tao Weather 2023 Guide, Best Golf Courses in Phuket That Are A Must-Visit for Golf Lovers, 7 Must Visit Night Markets in Phuket 2023 Update. The Vegetarian Festival in Thailand is an annual event celebrated by the Chinese community in Thailand. While large crowds of people gather to watch, the entranced mah song distribute blessed candy and pieces of orange cloth with Chinese characters printed on them yan for good luck. The Chinese followed the tradition of refraining from eating meat, drinking alcoholic drinks, engaging in sex, quarrelling, telling lies or killing. Presently, it is a public holiday in some of these countries. For starters, the festival should start on the very first day of the Chinese lunar calendars ninth month. The festival is becoming more eventful year after year. 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[11] In his research project starting in 2012, Schneider identified the affective states of the Ma Song that reflected a religious frame of submission. The devotees wear bright and very ornamented outfits, and then you are set for a full week of firecrackers, parades, piercings, and vegetarian food. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival begins on the first day of the ninth month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar, so dates change annually. The festival is famous for its 'extreme' celebrations. Established in 1904, this shrine boasts dragon pillars and colourful paintings of stories and creatures believed to bring good luck and prosperity to devotees. This temple is considered to be one of the oldest in Phuket and is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. Copy Link. Ultimately, the goal of the festival is to express the happiness of the people who survived a 19th-century deadly disease and to honour the gods who heeded their call for help. Pregnant women should not watch any of the rituals. According To Priest Long Hua, the 35th Generation Leader of Long Shan Men Taoist Sect (Singapore), honouring the Northern Dipper stars prolongs one's life, eliminate calamities, and absolves sins and past debts of oneself and his family. Nine Emperor Gods are actually high-ranking Star Lords who preside over the movement of planets and coordinate mortal Life and Death issues. Held at various locations throughout Phuket Island, this festival offers something for everyone to enjoy whether you are looking for delicious food or thrilling entertainment! This ceremony is usually calm and quiet.However, you can see a lot of buzz later in the week during the parades. Processions on the streets will usually have participants climbing an eight-metre ladder full of sharp blades, running across burning coals, and walking in a trance. Once, we even saw a full collection of fake sushi, all made of rice and tofu! If you go to Soi 20 of Charoen Krung Road, the area is transformed into an event space full of food stalls and fruit sellers. Phuket Vegetarian Festival Sep 25, 2022 - Oct 4, 2022. It is celebrated throughout the entire country, but the festivities are at their height in Phuket, where over the half of the population is Peranakans. How to register for Test & Go on Thailand Pass system? Finally, some authors referred to the day as the Buddhist All Saints Day. Born in France a long long time ago, I started to travel the world early and never stopped until I settled in Thailand in 1994. Also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival or the Kin Jay Festival, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event celebrated primarily by the Chinese community in Thailand and throughout Southeast Asia.
