5.San-kuan Three Officials When it comes to finding a place to stay during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, there are plenty of options available. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival, also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, is an invocation of blessings from the Emperor Gods of the Chinese community. [13] This might be generalizable to other religious practices where believers submit in devotion. It is a nine-day celebration of Chinese culture and vegetarianism that has been celebrated for over 200 years. There are also performances by local musicians playing drums and gongs to accompany the procession. During this time, devotees observe a strict vegetarian diet and take part in various religious ceremonies to honor the Nine Emperor Gods. Most devotees come here to pray for good health or simply pray for the healing of certain health issues. Ultimately, the goal of the festival is to express the happiness of the people who survived a 19th-century deadly disease and to honour the gods who heeded their call for help. Though not as well known by visitors as larger Chinese shrines like Jui Tui Shrine in Phukets Old Town area, Sam Kong Shrine is a revered place Sam Sae Chu Hut Chinese Shrine is a modest and discreet Chinese shrine located near the intersection of Khaw Sim Bee Road and Mae Luan Road, on the way up to Khao Rang Hill in Phuket Town; opened in May 2002. Today, most Nine Emperor God temples do not acknowledge the existence of Dou Fu Yuan Jun. Each day, the street procession starts from one of the leading Shrines in Phuket. But dont get too excited about this event until you have read our bottom line in this article or you might regret later. However, the two biggest processions are taken out from the Bang Neaw and Jui Tui shrines.Besides volume, the thing that sets Jui Tui apart is featuring women as Chinese Goddesses. Tourists can look for yellow-coloured flags with red Thai or Chinese characters to find the stall selling these vegetarian dishes. It is a good idea to stay well away from this deafening and sometimes frightening aspect of the Vegetarian Festival. Most devotees stay at the temple, eat vegetarian meals, maintain celibacy and recite continuous chanting of prayer. 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. The main events are held at the Jui Tui Shrine in Old Town Phuket and other temples throughout the city. A few of the major shrines in Phuket for witnessing ceremonies include: The festivities move between various temples throughout the celebration; picking up a schedule of events will help you be in the right place at the right time. 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. While Jui Tui literally translates to water mortar, this shrine is of great significance during the celebration of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. 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. If in doubt, just go toward the noise and chaos! The irony is that real vegetables are hard to find: you mostly will find noodles, deep-fried stuff, and tofu shaped like meat, but no vegetables. Wu, Jave (2007), 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. Phone: 088 169 2595. Its truly one of the most unique things you will ever experience. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. Protein substitutes allow these vegetarian dishes to taste, and look like and replace fish, chicken, and pork in Thai cuisine. Fortunately, the crew recovered from the disease and that is how the Phuket Vegetarian Festival came into being. Its a celebration of Chinese culture with an emphasis on vegan cuisine, street processions, and other religious rituals. Thousands of people will pay respect to their ancestors. As stated in the previous section of this guide, The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is commonly celebrated from late September to October and this can change based on the lunar calendar of the Chinese. While most Bang Neow Shrine in Phuket Town is one of Phuket's oldest and most revered Chinese shrines. 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. Along with the restrictive vegan diet, they also vowed to pray to the Nine Emperor God known as the Kiu Ong Lah, for the reason of cleansing their body and soul. Participants usually walk on hot coals or pierce their cheeks with swords! 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 same applies to women who are pregnant or menstruating. 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. Our local guides are available to help with any questions you have about planning your trip to Thailand. Khao Mok Kai () A dish that looks like chicken rice, but the chicken is replaced with tofu. According to tradition and belief, the purpose of the vegetarian festival is for participants to obtain peace of mind and good health. PHUKET: The first street procession of this year's Phuket Vegetarian festival was held this morning (Oct 7) as devotees and Ma Song spirit mediums from the Naka Shrine in Wichit trvelled to. [10] Many varieties of tofu are prepared and sold during the festival. Asia Reopening Which countries are open for tourism and travel now? It is believed that there will be rain throughout the nine days of the celebration. It always has been my favourite Phuket event / festival and I always used to take too many photos! ), Do not eat food with a strong smell (garlic), Keep and wash cooking utensils separately from those used in the event. The walk on the fire is another challenging photo to capture, as you must come early to secure the best spot. During this 9-day period, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a vegetarian or vegan diet for the purpose of spiritual cleansing and merit-making. As with any religious festival, enjoy watching, but keep your distance. The Shrine of the Serene Light, locally known as Sang Tham Shrine, is a beautifully decorated Chinese Temple on Phang Nga Road, one of the most famous streets of Phuket Town. It celebrates the unique belief of the chinese community in the holiness of vegetarian food. What is the vegetarian festival in Thailand? Locally referred to as the Kin Jay Festival, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a festival of the Nine Emperor Gods festival in Phuket. Below are some of them: There is this belief within the Chinese community that fire can repel evil influence and overcome impurity. Devotees dressed in traditional white, carrying incense and candles, await for their arrival. (and get our downloadable Phuket Travel Guide PDF for free too!). 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. It was founded more than 80 years ago by the Chinese-Thai community in Phuket. 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. 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. The annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival takes place during the 9th Lunar Month of the chinese calendar. After ceremonially crossing the bridge, a red stamp of the gods is then placed on the back of participants to show they are already free from calamities and sin. Noodle dishes, curries and soups are prepared without meat, fish sauce, eggs or dairy. Although the Vegetarian Festival can seem like a bizarre carnival, it is still a deeply religious event; show respect and stay out of the way! It celebrates the unique belief of the chinese community in the holiness of vegetarian food. To achieve this, participants refrain from taking various stimulants and avoid eating meat. The festival ends just after midnight when the devotees have sent back the Nine Emperor Gods. [6] What is the Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2022? At the same time, the devotees will go in procession, self-inflicting all kinds of tortures to shift other worshipers evil onto themselves to bring luck back to the community. 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. Anyway, Phuket is a small island, so wherever your hotel is, you are not far from the old streets where the procession looks the best. 8.Pa-hsien Eight Immortals. For the next few days, the local Chinese/Thai community brings their household gods to the temple, along with offerings of food and drink. The procession walks from an ahm to Phuket town. Don't get in the way of participants who prepared for weeks before the event. San Diego's biggest vegan festival is held at Encinitas' own outdoor bazaar. 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. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival takes place in the streets of Phuket Town, so visitors can expect to experience a vibrant atmosphere filled with culture and tradition. Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Setiap manusia pasti memiliki kelebihan masing-masing yang membuat mereka menjadi unik. A Message from VegEvents. It's believed that the Chinese gods will protect them from harm, resulting in little blood or scarring. These can be found in various forms such as stir-fried or soup-based dishes with vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, and other plant-based ingredients. These rules are a must-follow for anyone who participates in the festival. The festival is celebrated by Chinese Hokkien descendants for the purposes of purifying body and mind, also to ensure a year of prosperity. There are participants who-as a medium of God- indulge in the act of self-mutilation. The festival always starts on the first day of the 9th Chinese lunar month (though the pole-raising ceremony is the night before). The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a unique event that takes place annually in Thailand and draws visitors from around the world. At the temple during the festival there is also firewalking and blade-ladder climbing. Here are our recommendation for your accommodation: Below is the Youtube video about Phuket Vegetarian Festival if you want to go further. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is commonly celebrated from late September to October and the exact dates can change depending on the lunar calendar of the Chinese. Its crunchy, flavorful, and filling, and its quite affordable at three pieces for only 20 THB. Observe proper hygiene practices to maintain the purity of the festival. Now is the best time! It's a new era for this extraordinary and complex land, where the landscape is scattered with gilded pagodas and the traditional ways of Asia endure. by tripsavvy. Sat, Jul 2, 11:00 AM. WARNING! One of the oldest shrines on the island, Kathu Shrine is believed to have been the first shrine to observe the festivities of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. From luxurious resorts and hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses, visitors can find something that fits their needs and budget. Phuket Vegetarian Festival is the most popular in town for a reason. What to do & where to celebrate the New Year's Eve in Chiang Mai, What to do and where to Celebrate Your New Year's Eve in Bangkok. The festival celebrates the Chinese community's belief that abstinence from meat and various stimulants will help them obtain good health and peace of mind. It's a celebration of Chinese culture with an emphasis on vegan cuisine, street processions, and other religious rituals. Here, they will meditate, pray, study, and teach other young monks. The malaria-stricken Chinese opera group recovered from their illness and since then, the inhabitants of Phuket continue the festivals celebration. Ladies who have their menstrual cycle should not attend the festival. Established in 1904, this shrine boasts dragon pillars and colourful paintings of stories and creatures believed to bring good luck and prosperity to devotees. As mentioned earlier, there are over 40 Chinese Shrines in Phuket and all of them participate in the festival. The rituals, which last for nine days, are performed to purify both body and mind. As such, tourists who fancy eating meat dishes such as steaks or grilled meats wont really be deprived of their protein source during the festivities. 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. Phuket's Cultural Vegetarian Festival 2023. How many days does the Vegetarian festival in Phuket last? 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. The festival is famous for its vegetarian food (of course, the rather noisy and spectacular processions, and the fire-walking displays. In Thailand, this festival is called thetsakan kin che (), the 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. Soybean and protein substitute products are used to replace pork, chicken or fish they even look and taste exactly like meat. Then, participants must observe or follow certain rules or commitments for nine days which include the following. The airport is well-connected to Bangkok with daily flights. 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. [12] While in Western cultures dominance is seen as a cherished goal, Schneider observed an unusual appreciation of submission amongst the Ma Song. Otherwise it can land you in a mess. Come and experience the joy of Thailands Phuket Vegetarian Festival! Perbesar. Parades usually start at 9 minutes past the hour, disrupting traffic during morning rush hours. The festival celebrates the Chinese community's belief that abstinence from meat and various stimulants will help them obtain good health and peace of mind. What to eat during Phuket Vegetarian Festival? Thailands largest island with some of the most popular beaches. Consider before continuing. Get ready to explore what the Phuket Vegetarian Festival has to offer; we will provide insight into where it happens, what activities can be experienced during the festival, different types of food offerings available as well as accommodation options so you dont miss out on any part of this extraordinary cultural experience! In Thailand, the Pli term Mgha-praam is also used for the celebration, meaning 'to honor on the full moon of the third lunar month'. In Phuket culture, this is considered the most important festival of all. 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. OC VEGAN FEST @ THE DEN DTSA - JUNE 25, 2022. The five most ancient Shrines are Put Jaw, Jui Tui, Bang Niew, Cherng Talay, and Kathu Shrine. Vivid nature, voluptuous landscapes and a vibrant culture collide with a painful past and optimistic future to make Laos an enigmatic experience for the adventurous. Since the arrival of the gods is believed to be through the waterways, processions are held from temples to the sea shore or river to symbolize this belief. Jui Tui Shrine is the main temple located in Phuket Old Town. With our guide, you can find all the best places to stay, eat and enjoy your holiday with ease. Today, most Nine Emperor God temples do not acknowledge the existence of Dou Fu Yuan Jun. If you find yourself in Phuket around September or October, spend some time at a colourful and unique festival. Participants who wish to be forgiven of their transgressions and to repent should prepare a monetary offering and a paper cutout of themselves before doing the ceremonial bridge-crossing ritual. 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. Other locations around Phuket also host their own festivities during this time including street markets selling vegetarian food items as well as traditional Thai snacks like grilled bananas or sweet sticky rice cakes filled with coconut milk and sugar. Menstruating women should not attend ceremonies; Pregnant women should not attend ceremonies; Participants should wear white during the festivities; Kitchen utensils that are clean should not be used by non-participants; Participants should have clean bodies during the festival. The ceremonies of the Vegetarian Festival take place in six Chinese temples scattered throughout Phuket, Thailand. 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. The content and the images arenot recommended for the faint of heart! Train: Although there are no direct trains to Phuket, one can travel on trains going from Bangkok to Singapore and get off at Phun Phin railway station. During this festival, participants observe a strict vegetarian diet for nine days as part of their spiritual journey. There are different stories behind how the Phuket Vegetarian Festival began, however the most widely accepted is the China Opera troupe Story. This was to ensure the purification of the mind and body. As with any religious festival, the crew recovered from the disease and that is how the Phuket Vegetarian began! 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