Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2026

History & Heritage

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 the 9th night of the waxing moon according to the Chinese calendar.

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Intangible Cultural Heritage

Listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2018 · Silver Grand Pinnacle Award, IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards 2024

Key Rituals

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, which became iconic of the festival as a whole. The procession offers an opportunity for householders and the general public along the streets to receive the blessings of the gods possessing the spirit mediums. The locals set up altars in front of their houses, decorated with Chinese embroidered table aprons (“TokUi” 桌圍), placing on them lit candles and incense sticks, flowers, fruit, sweets and tea.

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The Ceremonial Bridge – Crossing Ritual

The main idea of devotees crossing the bridge is believed to cleanse them 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 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.

Paying Respects at the Shrines

01Before You Take Part

Those observing the Vegetarian Festival strictly dress in white, abstain from meat and all animal-derived products, avoid alcohol and other intoxicants, observe religious precepts, and practise restraint in body, speech and mind throughout the festival. By tradition, people in mourning, pregnant women and women during menstruation refrain from participating in rituals inside the shrine.

02Making Offerings & Wishes

On entering the shrine, remove your shoes before approaching the hall where the deities are enshrined. Light incense and candles, and first pay respect to Heaven and Earth at the outdoor incense burner. Then proceed inside to worship the principal deity, followed by the other deities in order.

When asking for a blessing, calm your mind and state your name, where you live and what you wish for. Those seeking guidance may draw a fortune stick and cast a pair of divination blocks, known locally as pua-poe, for confirmation. Common offerings include incense, candles, flowers, fruit, sweets and tea. All food offerings must be vegetarian.

03Etiquette

Behave respectfully and speak quietly within the shrine grounds. Ask permission before photographing the deities or any rituals. Always give way to spirit mediums and processions, keep a respectful distance, and never cut across a procession. Photography may be prohibited during certain rituals; please follow the guidance of shrine staff at all times.