Thailand is renowned for its unique culture, diverse religions, and vibrant festivals. Among them, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival stands out as one of the largest and most distinctive religious events in Southeast Asia. Every year, thousands of people from around the world flock to Phuket to participate in this festival, not only to honor the spirit but also to experience the unique traditions and rituals of Thai culture.
Origin and Significance of the Festival
The Vegetarian Festival (also known as “Tesagan Gin Je” in Thai) originated during the capitalist era in the early 19th century, when a duo of Chinese singers arriving in Phuket unfortunately contracted malaria. One of the opera singers was sent back to China to request one of the Nine Emperor Gods – Kiu Ong Iah. During the waiting process, they adhered to a strict vegetarian diet and practice. After a while, the whole troupe overcame the malaria and took that moment to express their gratitude to the Nine Gods Emperor.
The Vegetarian Festival was initially only held in the Chinese community in Phuket but later attracted the attention of the Thai community as well. Today, this festival is not only a part of Chinese culture but also an important part of Thai culture in general. During the 10 days of the festival, believers follow a strict diet with faith in the gods and the divine power bestowed upon them.
Rituals and Activities During the Festival
Vegetarian Festival takes place for about 9 to 10 days in the 9th lunar month each year at 6 Chinese temples in Phuket. The main temple where the event takes place is Jui Tui Temple, the form of Raising a 10m high light pole serves as a signal to the Nine Gods about the start of the festival. Over the next few days, the local Chinese/Thai community will bring their guardian deities to the temple along with food and drink. It is believed that the guardian deities benefit from the annual spiritual energy that floods the temple. You can observe and even participate in the lighting of incense and candles before statues are placed around the various deities.
During this time, various unique religious and cultural activities are:
- Vegetarianism: This is a significant aspect of the festival, where everyone observes a strict vegetarian diet throughout the event.
- Purification and Trancing: One of the most impressive rituals of the festival is “purification and entering the spirit”. In traditional costumes, they perform rituals such as stabbing themselves with nails, climbing a wall of thorns, walking barefoot on hot coals or even cutting and skewering their cheeks in the belief that the gods will protect them. for them so they won’t lose much blood and won’t suffer any pain. On the other hand, this action is seen as purifying oneself and “trance”, their appearance when skewered by objects is believed to have the effect of repelling evil spirits. These rituals not only show people’s respect for the gods but also create a mysterious atmosphere, attracting the attention of tourists.
- Parades and Performances: Colorful processions featuring participants in traditional costumes and artistic performances honoring deities and spirits are an integral part of the festival.
- Religious Ceremonies: Various religious rites and ceremonies are conducted at temples and shrines throughout Phuket.
Festival Cuisine
During the festival, families in Phuket prepare traditional Thai dishes such as lontong, lemang, satay, rendang, ketupat rice cakes, pineapple tarts. They serve these prepared dishes to friends and relatives to mark the completion of a spiritual ritual and to strengthen familial bonds.
For tourists, the Vegetarian Festival is not only a religious event but also an excellent opportunity to explore and experience Thailand’s unique culture. Visitors can participate in religious activities, indulge in vegetarian culinary delights, and immerse themselves in the lively and exhilarating atmosphere of the festival.
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is one of the most significant and unique religious events in Thailand, attracting thousands of tourists from around the world. With its distinctive rituals and activities, the festival serves not only as an occasion to honor deities but also as an opportunity to experience and discover the diverse and rich culture of the Land of Smiles.
