Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2024

3-11 October 2024

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival, also known among the locals as “Jia Chai”, is a practice in Taoism that believes in worshiping the gods, angels and heroes. It is a tradition practiced by the Chinese since the olden days which takes place from the 1st to 9th night of the waxing moon according to the Chinese calendar, The Vegetarian Festival was documented by the Ministry of Culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2018 in the category of Social Practice, Ritual, Tradition and Festival of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

the street procession

The street procession is conducted on different days in Phuket by every shrine during the festival. This is the most spectacular event of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival or Vegetarian Festival, which became iconic of the festival as a whole. The procession offers an opportunity for the householders and the general public along the streets to receive the blessings of the gods possessing the spirit mediums. the locals set up alter in front of their houses, decorated with Chinese embroideries table aprons (“TokUi” 桌圍), placing on them lit candles and incense sticks, flowers, fruit, sweets and tea.

the ceremonial bridge – crossing ritual

The main idea of devotees crossing the bridge is believed to cleanse from impurities and misfortunes that may fall upon them. Once crossing the bridge, a red stamp of the Nine Emperor Gods’ seal (or imperial seal) will be stamped at the back of the devotees to signify that they are purified from sins and calamities that might happen to them.

Fire – walking ritual

“Fire overcomes impurity and repels evil influence. As men purify themselves with fire, they expiate transgressions and thus overcome yin”. The locals believe that only those who are cleansed will be free from being seriously burned.

the farewell ritual

The Nine Emperor Gods Festival or Vegetarian Festival culminates in the farewell ritual for the Jade Emperor and the Nine Emperor Gods on the evening of the ninth and last day and comes to a close with sending off the Nine Emperor Gods or “KiuOng” at midnight back to the heaven. Tip : every street in Phuket city will be filled with people waiting to send the god, KiuOng, back to heaven. This ceremony is a must-see, especially around Thalang Road, Phuket Road, Surin Circle Clock Tower and the road leading to Saphan Hin.