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. Devotees dressed in traditional white, carrying incense and candles, await for their arrival. Refrain from sexual activities during the festival. The festival begins with a parade from Jui Tui Shrine to Sapan Hin, a public park located near the beach. The first event is called the Raising of the Lantern Pole, which notifies the 9 Chinese gods of the start of the festival. The annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival takes place during the 9th Lunar Month of the chinese calendar. 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! The streets are lined with colorful decorations and flags as people walk through carrying statues of gods or goddesses while chanting prayers and playing music. The Bung Fai festival is not only found in Isan or Northeasthern Thailand and North Thailand and Laos, but also in Amphoe Sukhirin, Narathiwat. If in doubt, just go toward the noise and chaos! According to Long Hua, this information is inaccurate and considered derogatory to the actual teachings of Taoism as the Nine Emperor Gods are actually high-ranking Star Lords who preside over the movement of planets and coordinate mortal Life and Death issues. No meat or animal products to be consumed during the festival. During this festival, people abstain from eating meat and other animal products for nine days as a way to purify their bodies and minds. Beach guides, things to do and hand-picked villa and hotel advice. [6] Vegan food is prepared because it is considered the most pure. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a unique event that takes place annually in Thailand and draws visitors from around the world. Phuket Vegetarian Festival The Vegetarian Festival takes place at the start of the ninth Chinese lunar month, which falls in late September or early October. Discover a different side of Thailand this year book your trip today! Phuket is renowned for its vibrant and colourful festivals. Location: Phuket Town. After the gods have passed through the shrine doors, all lights inside the shrine are turned off and access points are closed. Vietnam stops Covid testing for all arrivals, Vietnam to treat foreign and domestic tourists alike: deputy PM. Celebrate one of the most famous and spectacular cultural events in Phuket. There are also direct flights to India, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Germany, among other countries. Women in menstruation and pregnancy should not participate in the festival. Finally, some authors referred to the day as the Buddhist All Saints Day. Some examples include tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup), tom kha gai (chicken coconut soup) and kaeng jued wan (vegetable clear soup). Hope that you love it too! There are a number of rituals or events to see during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. 20 Date Ideas in Bangkok: Romantic, Fun, Unusual, or Free, What to Wear for Rainy Season in Thailand: Essential Things to Pack, Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Surin Beach, Monitor Lizards in Thailand: Things You Should Know. Tourists are advised to stay away from areas that observe this scary and deafening aspect of the celebrations. Since then, the people of Phuket have continued to celebrate the festival. After catching wind of this, Buddha decided that in order to avoid damaging crops, hurting insects, or harming themselves during the rainy season, monks should remain in their temples during these three months. The participants who prepare to volunteer their bodies to the gods are called the Ma Song. It always has been my favourite Phuket event / festival and I always used [] All the Chinese shrines on the island are cleaned, painted, and decorated with Chinese Ancestry inspired decorations. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival (or Nine Emperor Gods Festival) happens once a year, during the ninth lunar month, and is one of the most auspicious events on Phuket island. After graduating from the univesity of language in Hanoi, I started the exploration with a travel agency and learning more about travel, especially responsible travel. It is called the Raising of the Lantern Pole. 5.San-kuan Three Officials Road: Buses to other regions of Thailand including Bangkok, Krabi, Phang Na and Surat Thani operate at the BKS terminal located just off Thanon Phang Nga in Phuket Town. Festivities will be observed in all of Phuket Islands Chinese shrines. The most famous of these is the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, held annually in October or November. What is the vegetarian festival in Thailand? The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a colorful annual event held on the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, usually in September or October. Your guide to the perfect holiday in Thailand. During this week, everyone follows ten principles, mostly wear white, do not eat meat, drink alcohol, do not have sexual activities, etc. The Nine Emperor Gods. Participants must behave both physically and mentally. The American chef Dan Sriprasert used the vegan recipes he learned to make at his mother's food stall in Nan, Thailand during the festival to create the menu for the popular Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro in the United States. Maintain clean bodies and clean kitchen utensils, using them separately from those who do not participate in the festival. You can observe and even participate in the lighting of joss sticks and candles, before placing them around the various gods. We wont even spare you the gross tongue sliding on a giant blade. According to tradition and belief, the purpose of the vegetarian festival is for participants to obtain peace of mind and good health. 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. Segregate your utensils from those who are not participating. In Cambodia, ancient and modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure. Many of these vegetarian dishes aren't easily distinguishable from regular Thai dishes. Presently, it is a public holiday in some of these countries. The festivities will occur in and around the area of the six Chinese temples on Phuket Island. White clothes must be worn during the festival. It is mostly celebrated in South-Eastern Asian countries but particularly in Thailand. This area is usually closed-off during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival and it is here that vegetarian food stalls abound. Now is the best time! This study has been made possible through the support by Fulbright Scholar grant PD2082693, the National Research Council of Thailand in Bangkok, and the members of the Phuket Provincial Cultural Office. It falls usually in the month of September or October. If youre looking for something more affordable, there are also plenty of hostels and guesthouses located throughout the city that offer comfortable lodging at an economical price point. The festival culminates with a parade featuring colorful floats decorated with lanterns that are carried through the streets accompanied by music and chanting. This is because while the most spectacular activities are conducted on Phuket Island, the entire country observes the said festival as well. The five most ancient Shrines are Put Jaw, Jui Tui, Bang Niew, Cherng Talay, and Kathu Shrine. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an outstanding week-long event. [7] Bangkok and Chiang Mai also have many vendors selling vegan food during the festival. How to register for Test & Go on Thailand Pass system? It is a nine-day celebration that takes place during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar and usually falls between October and November. The dates change every year, as it's based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Most devotees come here to pray for good health or simply pray for the healing of certain health issues. The preparation for the festival gears up long before the main day. Men and women puncture their cheeks with sharp items, including knives and skewers. Along the way, local Thai of Chinese descent prepare food offerings on small tables and receive blessings. The dates change every year, as it's based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Most of them sell noodles, sushi, tofu shaped like meat and other fast foods. This festival offers live music and games and is family- and pet-friendly. The Thailand Piercing Festical It was the fourth day of The Vegetarian Festival in Phuket Town, Thailand - also known as the Thailand Piercing Festival. Cindy quit her 9 to 5 job to pursue her passion for exploring mesmerizing locations in Thailand. When the main festival starts, a crowd of worshipers, all dressed in white or yellow, gather at Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket Town for the first event marking the ceremonys opening: a giant bamboo pole rising to invite divinities to come down to earth. Dr. Schneider was depicted on his research site in a National Geographic documentation by Morgan Freeman.[14]. On the last day, devotees from all the Chinese shrines assemble in Phuket town and walk towards the Saphan Hin. ", "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. WARNING! The best place to celebrate Vegetarian Festival in Bangkok is in Chinatown, where youll see rows upon rows of stalls selling all kinds of vegan and vegetarian dishes, many of which feature mock-meat made from non-animal products but look and taste like them. Where to Celebrate Your New Year's Eve in Phuket, Xe Champhone Loop - the hidden beauty of central Laos, Cleanliness of the body during the festival, Clean kitchen utensils not to be used by others who do not participate in the festival, Behave correctly, both physically and mentally, People in mourning should not participate, Pregnant women and menstruating women should not attend ceremonies. What to see at Phuket Vegetarian Festival? Buses from the Southern Bus Terminal of Bangkok to Phuket are the most reliable and convenient way of travelling between the two cities and take up to 13 hours to reach Phuket. A Guide to Thailand for Families With Kids. It is definitely a little less touristy part of Thailand but nevertheless, they host amazing new year eve parties with bands, DJs, and awesome live music. Luang Prabang Authorities Release 2022 Lao New Year Events Schedule, Luang Prabang City and Kuang Si Waterfall Win ASEAN Tourism Awards, Luang Prabang Holds First Boat Racing Festival After Years of Covid-19, Neak Pean Temple - The Entwining Serpents. Running for nine days, the vegetarian festival in Phuket is considered by many to be the most extreme and bizarre of festivals in Thailand. The Chinese followed the tradition of refraining from eating meat, drinking alcoholic drinks, engaging in sex, quarrelling, telling lies or killing. During this period of time, the constant tinkling of a prayer bell and chants from the temple priests are heard. The festival runs for nine days and is observed in other Asian countries as well. Once, we even saw a full collection of fake sushi, all made of rice and tofu! During this time, devotees observe a strict vegetarian diet and take part in various religious ceremonies to honor the Nine Emperor Gods. One of the most popular events during this festival are colorful parades with participants dressed in traditional costumes carrying ornate floats. Street processions often involve participants walking in a trance, running across a bed of burning coals, and climbing an 8-metre ladder of sharp blades. Devotees are expected to wear white and keep pure thoughts; they give up meat, sex, alcohol, stimulants, and strong foods such as garlic and spice. Last edited on 17 December 2022, at 16:13, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Celebrating Navaratri and the Nine Emperor Gods festival", "When is the best time to visit Thailand? The procession will then start, leading the devotees from one shrine to another. Bang Neow Shrine is on Phuket Road, a Kio Thian Keng Shrine is a colourful Chinese shrine that is set on the seashore inside Saphan Hin public park in Phuket Town. So from early morning, worshipers will enter a trance at their favourite shrine and pierce their cheek with the most extreme object possible: from a gas nozzle to a scale warship model or a car shock absorber. Its a place of worship for the local Chinese-Thai community and it plays an important role as the site of the final farewell to the gods during the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival Hok Nguan Kong Shrine is a Chinese temple near the Surin Clock Circle in Phuket Town. 2.San-ching -Three Pure Ones Thailands largest island with some of the most popular beaches. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Khmer: Preah Reach Pithi Chrot Preah Neangkol; Sinhala: Vap Magula; Thai: Phra Ratcha Phithi Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan) also known as The Ploughing Festival is an ancient royal rite held in many Asian countries to mark the traditional beginning of the rice growing season. Asia Reopening Which countries are open for tourism and travel now? When: Every other Sunday, 12-4pm 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. What are the best things to do in Phuket? [3] 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). If you wish to use an image from our website with a link back to us, 17 Best Romantic Restaurants in Phuket , Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket Town (Kew Ong) , Shrine of the Serene Light in Phuket Town , Lim Hu Tai Su Shrine (Sam Kong Shrine) , 48 Best Things to Do in Phuket and Around in 2023, 11 Best Phuket Tours Day Trips and Excursions, 33 Best Hotels in Phuket We Tried and Loved. Most devotees stay at the temple, eat vegetarian meals and recite continuous chanting of prayer. Though its not well known as Lim Hu Tai Su is a Chinese Taoist shrine on the north side of Phuket Town, also known as Sam Kong Shrine, for the neighbourhood its found in. Don't get in the way of participants who prepared for weeks before the event. Phuket is another 5 hours by bus from Phun Phin, which is located in the Surat Thani Province of Thailand. Fireworks are stopped at all the establishments and thrown at the devotees. [2] The term Ye () as in Jiu Huang Ye () loosely translates as "Grandfather", a title worshipers commonly use to bring a more intimate relationship between themselves and the Nine Emperors. 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. 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. Unlike other festivals and celebrations, this festival involves a lot of gory scenes besides fireworks and fancy attires. Keep yourself clean throughout the festival. Masong are the people who invite the spirits of gods to possess their bodies. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival begins on the first day of the ninth month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar, so dates change annually. Did you know this program is available ON-Demand by visiting the Science in Action Page, it will be available until Thursday the 2nd of March.It will also be broadcast on Sunday the 26th of February in Phuket at 9:00 AM on 91.5 FM and 102.5 FM and Online via the Internet radio portals. Mio Cade on Flickr, Phuket, Thailand Fire Walking on Vegetarian Festival 2013, Jamie Monk on Flickr, Crossing the Bridge, Bertrand Linet on Flickr, Farewell ritual at the Phuket Vegetarian festival 2015. In addition, there are tons of food stores and street stalls that will sell vegetarian snacks and foods. Cyclone Freddy has made landfall on Madagascar, leaving destruction in its wake. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival attracts crowds of spectators because of many of the unusual religious rituals that are performed. Tao Hu Phad Phed: Stir fried Tofu with chili past, Jee Jo (), a famous snack in Phuket, Look Chin Sarai Tod () Deep-fried crispy seaweed balls with sweet sauce, Tao Hu Song Kruang () steamed tofu sauteed in thick Chinese sauce with baby corns and carrots, Phuket Town A Walking Guide to Old Phuket Town, Songkran Festival Phuket 2023 April 13 to 15, 17 Questions People Always Ask about Phuket (and a couple of stupid ones). 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. Also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, the festival is celebrated by Daoists throughout Thailand in areas with large populations of . Food offerings play an important role during this time too as its believed that offering vegetarian dishes will bring good luck to those who partake in them. The belief is that by abstaining from these types of food, participants will obtain good health and peace of mind. Whether you are looking for accommodation or just want to sample some of the local delicacies, make sure you dont miss out on this incredible event! Phuket's most famous and spectacular cultural event, the Vegetarian Festival takes place over nine days in the ninth lunar month, typically around September or October. It is assumed that the household gods will benefit from an annual injection of spiritual energy that fills the temple. The Nine Emperor Gods should not be mixed up with the Wang Ye or Princes of the Ming loyalists. It celebrates a gathering that was held between the Buddha and 1,250 of his first disciples, which, according to tradition, preceded the custom of periodic recitation of discipline by monks. Phuket Sandbox reopening plan & What to Expect? 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). Please help this article by looking for better, more reliable sources. The worship of Dou Fu Yuan Jun has declined strongly as proper teachings of Taoism degenerate since being exported out of China. Despite this scenario, many of the people performing the rituals are also the people who will care for many of the people in their recovery. Get ready to wait and feel the heat for an hour or so: you have to save a place near the burning charcoal early not to have anyone in front of you, which means sweating for at least an hour. Phuket's vegetarian festival traditions include macabre scenes of ritualised mutilation, impaling, cutting, partial skinning and bloodletting, as well as intentional wrapping or standing near fire crackers as they are lit - all without any anaesthetic! It runs for nine days and is considered a bizarre festival. Today, most Nine Emperor God temples do not acknowledge the existence of Dou Fu Yuan Jun. During the New Year's celebration, Hmong dress in traditional clothing and enjoy Hmong traditional foods, dance, music, bull fights, and other forms of entertainment. Please feel free to, Ma Song Spirit Mediums, Ritual Piercings, and Self, FAQs in Relation to Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Tourists can join in the lighting of candles and joss sticks before they are placed around the household gods. It attracts thousands of tourists annually with most visitors coming from other Asian destinations, especially from China. During the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, Thai restaurants serving meat are open as usual. For 2023, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival will be celebrated from October 13 to October 22. The role of ma song, or spirit mediums, is an integral part of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Khanom Jeen Jay () thin cold rice noodles served with a curry sauce and with tofu and mushrooms. The festival begins by the raising of a 10-meter-tall bamboo pole in all Chinese shrines across the island. During these nine days, there are various activities such as traditional dances, theatrical performances, martial arts demonstrations, firewalking rituals, and more to celebrate Chinese culture. While the origins of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival are unclear, it is commonly thought that it was brought to the island by a wandering Chinese opera group that fell ill from a malaria epidemic. I love experiencing the different cultures of the different lands and sharing my dream with the whole world. 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.

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