The purpose of this practice is a mixture of veneration for their gods and ancestors, to display their devotion to their beliefs and the trance itself, which has a profound impact upon demeanour for days or weeks after, frequently with devotees appearing exceptionally calm and focused in their day-to-day activities after the festival is completed. Many temples also host vegetarian feasts where visitors can enjoy traditional Thai dishes made with vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, nuts, and fruits instead of meat or fish. The capital of Phuket province, Old Town is a place steeped in history. 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. For the next few days, the local Chinese/Thai community brings their household gods to the temple, along with offerings of food and drink. 1.Yu-huang -The Jade Emperor 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. The peak of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival is on the ninth, or last, day as the ceremony becomes a farewell frenzy for sending the gods home to the sky. This is mostly because the festival involves self-mutilation by a few participants in order to show their loyalty to their Deities aside from adopting a special diet for the duration of the festival. We do the research so you dont have to! The Vegetarian Festival is celebrated to some extent in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and even Kuala Lumpur; however, the island of Phuket has the largest Peranakan Chinese population. Apart from the visual spectacle of this festival, you can partake in vegetarian dishes, which are sold at street stalls and markets around the island. But it became widely popular in the modern period, when it was instituted in Thailand by King Rama IV in the mid-19th century. These packages often include discounts on accommodations as well as access to exclusive events such as cooking classes or traditional ceremonies. It always has been my favourite Phuket event / festival and I always used to take too many photos! Its truly one of the most unique things you will ever experience. Since then, the people of Phuket have continued to celebrate the festival. A carnival-like atmosphere pervades the temple throughout the nine-day festival. Some resorts even provide complimentary transportation from nearby airports or train stations so you dont have to worry about getting around town once you arrive in Phuket. The Bung Fai festival is not only found in Isan or Northeasthern Thailand and North Thailand and Laos, but also in Amphoe Sukhirin, Narathiwat. The Vegetarian Festival in Phuket is a unique spectacle that attracts thousands of visitors every year.There are no hard and fast rules for viewers except that you must not do anything that is a sign of disrespect to the belief and custom of the people.If possible, put on white clothes to blend in with the local community. When: Every other Sunday, 12-4pm Principles to follow during the festival: Scary photos of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, Ten vegetarian food to try during the festival. Although it may be referred to as Vegetarian Festival, the food sold and consumed is vegan. In 2021 the festival was 5 - 15 October. The dates change every year, as it's based on the Chinese lunar calendar. WHAT MORE? The food offerings at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival are a unique and delicious experience, so be sure to sample some of the local delicacies. Text and Photos are Copyright Phuket 101 and Willy Thuan 2011 - 2023 - Copy or use of images or texts without written authorization is strictly prohibited (Credit to or mention of the blog does not constitute authorization). Phuket has the largest festival, but many other cities in Thailand celebrate the festival as well. 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. White clothes must be worn during the festival. 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Participants must behave both physically and mentally. This was to ensure the purification of the mind and body. The most happening of all is the last day that marks the end of this festival. On the evening of the festivals last or ninth day, the celebrations end with a farewell and send-off ritual dedicated to the Nine Emperor Gods and the Jade Emperor. During the main ritual at the temples, the Ma Song fall into a trance and pierce their cheeks with ritual objects, including knives, spears, relics, and other items of personal significance. 3.Yuan-shih Tien-tsun The First Principal Yellow chinese flags are put up in the entire city. Thursday, September 27, 2012. 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. Vietnam or Thailand Travel: Which one should you visit? The Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Devotees dressed in traditional white, carrying incense and candles, await the arrival of their excellencies. Firewalking ceremonies can be seen where devotees walk across burning charcoal without being burned and spirit mediums perform rituals on stage. Look for yellow flags with red Chinese or Thai characters to find vegetarian food stalls. The purpose of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, which seems to originate in 1800, seems to differ from the Chinese event in several South-East Asia countries. The opera group made a complete recovery and the epidemic ceased. The festival is associated with some ceremonies that are considered brutal and gruesome. They believe that adopting a vegetarian diet and paying homage to the nine Gods wards off the evil spirits. At the temple they undergo a series of rituals to protect them for the duration of the festival, during which flagellation and self-mutilation is practiced. Visit the empty Angkor Wat? Do not eat meat or other animal-based products during the festival. [11] In his research project starting in 2012, Schneider identified the affective states of the Ma Song that reflected a religious frame of submission. Its 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. 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! While it is often associated with blood and gore, the festival is deep-rooted in tradition and the ancient beliefs of the local Chinese community. Stages, decorations and parade accessories gather near shrines, and hundreds of food stands are erected nearby. Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Setiap manusia pasti memiliki kelebihan masing-masing yang membuat mereka menjadi unik. Phuket is renowned for its vibrant and colourful festivals. Phuket Sandbox reopening plan & What to Expect? Once the 10-metre-tall pole is erected, celebrants believe that the Hindu god, Shiva, descends to bring spiritual power to the event. Experiencing the festival for the first time is life-changing as it really needs to be seen to be believed. During this festival, participants observe a strict vegetarian diet for nine days as part of their spiritual journey. The Vegetarian Festival in Phuket typically lasts for nine days. Please get in touch using the quick form below: Our staff can also answer any questions you might have about Thailand. . History of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Its crunchy, flavorful, and filling, and its quite affordable at three pieces for only 20 THB. The malaria-stricken Chinese opera group recovered from their illness and since then, the inhabitants of Phuket continue the festivals celebration. Its a celebration of Chinese culture with an emphasis on vegan cuisine, street processions, and other religious rituals. Running for nine days, the vegetarian festival in Phuket is considered by many to be the most extreme and bizarre of festivals in Thailand. Keep yourself clean throughout the festival. That is where I can best use my software development skills to help the world. However, the art of "jay" food is that many of the dishes look and taste like meat. Parades usually start at 9 minutes past the hour, disrupting traffic during morning rush hours. Sumber foto: AFP. The festival is celebrated by Chinese Hokkien descendants for the purposes of purifying body and mind, also to ensure a year of prosperity. 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. 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. Today, most Nine Emperor God temples do not acknowledge the existence of Dou Fu Yuan Jun. You will still see them out during the day. Vegetarian Festival is not limited to Phuket, as it is celebrated throughout Thailand, particularly in cities with large Chinese populations, such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Koh Lanta Island. In accordance with the traditions, many religious mediums will conduct ritualized mutilation upon themselves and one another while under a trance-like state, including but not limited to: impaling through cheeks, arms, face, legs, back etc., with everything from as small as syringes to as large as is agreed upon between all members; partial skinning (the skin is not removed, just cut and flipped over); slashing of limbs, chest, stomach and especially tongue with swords, axes and knives; bloodletting; removal of tissue (normally limited to cysts) and intentionally wrapping or standing near fire crackers as they are lit. Devotees come out in bright traditional Chinese costumes and carry their household Gods to the big temples. To really see the festival at its best, you'll want to go there. The dishes are prepared without the use of garlic, chili, or strong spices. The 2022 Phuket Vegetarian Festival (aka Nine Emperor Gods Festival) is taking place from 25 September - 5 October 2022. Like it or hate it but you can certainly not remain indifferent to it. It is believed that while they are possessed the masong will not feel any pain. Most devotees stay at the temple, eat vegetarian meals, maintain celibacy and recite continuous chanting of prayer. Most devotees come here to pray for good health or simply pray for the healing of certain health issues. Those photos are easy to take, follow and enjoy the parade. The worship of Dou Fu Yuan Jun has declined strongly as proper teachings of Taoism degenerate since being exported out of China. Ma song are typically chosen by the community and undergo a rigorous selection process. The festival begins with a parade from Jui Tui Shrine to Sapan Hin, a public park located near the beach. The procession walks from an ahm to Phuket town. For other festivals, see, Nine Emperor Gods Festival celebration in popular folk culture. The town has a number of major Chinese Shrines and a lot of the restaurants replace their menus during the festivities to only do vegetarian dishes. [10] Many varieties of tofu are prepared and sold during the festival. They must undergo a period of physical and spiritual preparation before the festival, including fasting and abstaining from meat and other stimulants. During the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, Thai restaurants serving meat are open as usual. 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. You can eat at the various vegetarian stalls set up on the street. During the festival, ma song can be seen participating in a variety of rituals, such as piercing their cheeks with needles or swords, walking on hot coals, or climbing ladders made of sharp blades. The temple houses 2 historical images that are believed to bring good luck. Tourists are advised to stay away from areas that observe this scary and deafening aspect of the celebrations. An important procession that draws thousands of devotees to send the Nine Emperor Gods back via waterways. [9], During the festival, food stalls sell Thai and Chinese food made without animal products. When is the Phuket Vegetarian Festival? Teams of people accompany the masong to keep their wounds clean and to help support the heavier piercings. 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. 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! The role of ma song at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a unique and intriguing aspect of the event, and their participation in the spiritual rituals adds an extra layer of cultural significance and tradition to the festival. Realistic vegetarian meats are used instead. For starters, the festival should start on the very first day of the Chinese lunar calendars ninth month. 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. The Thailand Piercing Festical It was the fourth day of The Vegetarian Festival in Phuket Town, Thailand - also known as the Thailand Piercing Festival. 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. The airport is well-connected to Bangkok with daily flights. We believe you have the right to arm yourselves with as much information as possible before making any decision. What is happening if you have a positive Covid test result when traveling in Thailand? Please feel free to, Ma Song Spirit Mediums, Ritual Piercings, and Self, FAQs in Relation to Phuket Vegetarian Festival. It was also reported that Chinese temples in Hat Yai stockpiled vegetarian food in advance of the festival and hired more people. 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. 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