September/October: Phuket Vegetarian Festival

If you happen to be in the south of Thailand in the first half of October, then you may get the chance to see one of the most shocking festivals on the Thai calendar, the Phuket vegetarian festival.  But be warned, this isn’t for the faint of heart…you’ll encounter sites far more stomach turning than tofu dressed as lamb.

The festival, better known as Tesagan Gin Jay, originated in 1825 when a wandering Chinese opera troupe miraculously recovered from a strange malady by adhering to a vegetarian diet and worshipping the nine Chinese Emperor gods.   The locals embraced the tradition and celebrate from the 1st until the 9th day of the 9th lunar month each year.

The festival consists of daily processions, fire walking and lots of loud noise – fire crackers and drumming – to ward off the evil spirits.  But perhaps the most interesting (and shocking) aspect of the festival is the mutilation which many participants undergo while in a trance, in order to show their veneration towards the gods.

We arrived in old Phuket town from Ko Phi Phi in the evening and immediately joined the festivities.  The streets were buzzing and there was electricity in the air, with stalls selling all sorts of vegetarian delicacies and thousands of locals dressed entirely in white.

We ambled along, snacking on whatever looked good (most was delicious, a couple of strange tofu dishes), eventually reaching one of the main Chinese temples.  My friend said a prayer while I watched some of the spirit mediums become possessed by their spirit gods and run around blessing people (while cross-eyed, drooling and shrieking like monkeys in some cases – very, very bizarre).  The Thai kids seemed to take it in their stride (I would have been terrified).

I could have watched for hours however we retired early as I wanted to be up at the crack of dawn to watch the self-mutilation ceremonies prior to the parade (does that sound strange? I swear I’m not…).

Despite getting up early the next morning and reaching the main streets around 6:30am, the parade had already commenced so we never witnessed the mutilations take place (a good reason to go back..?).  Instead we were awed (and slightly sickened) by what seemed like a never-ending stream of men and women with the most amazing array of objects inserted through their bodies (mostly cheeks).

I kid you not.  It started strange with metal poles and hooks…but then someone passed with a bunch of flowers through their cheek.   And then strings of fake platted hair and a model wooden boat.  Could it get any stranger, I asked myself as a guy with a beach umbrella through his cheek walked past (with 3 others to support the massive structure).  You better believe it – along came the bad-ass gang, spewing forth AK47 rifles, 6 shooter pistols and an entire collection of swords in the case of one spiritualist.

Again and again I found my jaw dropping open in disbelief, and then suddenly snapping shut in discomfort at the thought of having these objects shoved through my cheeks.  Apparently the objects are inserted without anaesthetic and there is no stitching of wounds (and word has it that you feel great for several weeks after!).  Who wants to try?

After shooting loads of photo’s, dodging firecrackers and generally being in awe of such an incredible festival, we moved on.  Just another unforgettable and unique experience to add to the list…Thailand, I love you!

www.phuketvegetarian.com

 

10   RULES FOR THE VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL

1.     Cleanliness of bodies during the festival
2.     Clean kitchen utensils and use them separately from other who do not join     the festival
3.     Wear white during the festival
4.     Behave physically and mentally
5.     No meat eating
6.     No sex
7.     No alcoholic drinks
8.     People at mourning period should not attend the festival
9.     Pregnant ladies should not watch any ritual
10.     Ladies with period should not attend the ritual

85 Comments

Join the discussion and tell us your opinion.

Lumikha ng Binance Account
15th February 2025 at 8:48 am

Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!

Регистрация на binance
20th February 2025 at 8:59 pm

Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!

Binance Signup Bonus
23rd February 2025 at 3:12 am

Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

binance signup bonus
23rd February 2025 at 11:45 am

Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!

Binance Pagpaparehistro
24th February 2025 at 10:01 am

Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.

Anonymous
25th February 2025 at 5:28 pm

I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

binance
2nd March 2025 at 7:43 am

Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks! https://www.binance.com/fr/register?ref=GJY4VW8W

Registro
2nd March 2025 at 7:23 pm

I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article. https://www.binance.info/en-IN/register?ref=UM6SMJM3

binance registration
4th March 2025 at 4:45 pm

Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good. https://www.binance.info/en/register?ref=JHQQKNKN

^Inregistrare Binance
6th March 2025 at 1:01 am

Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

menstruationshöschen
6th March 2025 at 12:14 pm

sex nhật hiếp dâm trẻ em ấu dâm buôn bán vũ khí ma túy bán súng sextoy chơi đĩ sex bạo lực sex học đường tội phạm tình dục chơi les đĩ đực người mẫu bán dâm

damenunterwäsche aus Spitze
6th March 2025 at 4:34 pm

Amazing blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers?I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little loston everything. Would you propose starting with a freeplatform like WordPress or go for a paid option? Thereare so many options out there that I’m completely overwhelmed.. Any tips? Thanks a lot!

seks hebben synoniem
7th March 2025 at 5:18 pm

Whereas it was once that technology was a curiosity within the classroom, colleges are now acknowledged as (or no less than aspire to be) the vanguards of new assets.

binance
8th March 2025 at 1:54 am

Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

použité dámské spodní prádlo inzerce
8th March 2025 at 2:55 pm

This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your excellent post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!

Create a free account
8th March 2025 at 8:27 pm

Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good. https://www.binance.com/kz/register?ref=RQUR4BEO

kamerzysta youtube
9th March 2025 at 2:31 pm

Really appreciate you sharing this post.Much thanks again. Much obliged.

binance
9th March 2025 at 7:15 pm

Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me? https://accounts.binance.com/join?ref=P9L9FQKY

Crea una cuenta gratis
10th March 2025 at 3:26 am

Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good. https://accounts.binance.com/si-LK/register?ref=V2H9AFPY

idea regalo san valentino fai da te
10th March 2025 at 2:51 pm

magnificent post, very informative. I ponder why the opposite specialists of this sector do not realize this.You should continue your writing. I am sure, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!

Prijava
10th March 2025 at 8:43 pm

Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

Εγγραφ
12th March 2025 at 3:11 am

Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

open binance account
12th March 2025 at 8:59 pm

Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.

Lumikha ng Binance Account
13th March 2025 at 3:08 am

Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.

binance
15th March 2025 at 9:59 am

Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.

Sign Up
16th March 2025 at 10:58 pm

I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

ciondolo con foto del cane
18th March 2025 at 4:24 pm

Everything posted was very logical. But, think on this,what if you were to create a awesome post title? Iam not suggesting your content is not solid., but suppose youadded a title to possibly get folk’s attention? I mean Doughnut King Melbourne:A Delightful Journey into the World of Irresistible Treats – Gotham Doughnuts is kinda vanilla.You ought to look at Yahoo’s home page and watch how they create news headlines to get people interested.You might try adding a video or a picture or two to get people interested aboutwhat you’ve got to say. In my opinion, it would bring yourposts a little livelier.

ciondolo con foto cane
19th March 2025 at 3:46 pm

古くなって捨てられた玩具の魂が西洋人形の力で実体化して動きだしたもの。普段は少女の西洋人形の姿だが、正体は巨大な一つ目の首の姿をした魔物。容姿はコウモリの羽の生えた怪物そのものの姿。物語ここで終わってたわ。ていうか始まってすらなかったわ。小泉内閣が自衛隊イラク派遣を行い、聖域なき構造改革と称して政治や経済のアメリカニゼーションを一層強めた。明治維新以来の日本経済百年の歩みの中で解決できなかったことを、われわれはいま解決しようとしているのである』などと述べた。私がこれまでキャリア相談をしてきた人の中には、新卒で入社した会社で数年働いた後に、学生時代に長期インターンをしていた会社に転職をしたという人もいます。

Inscription à Binance US
19th March 2025 at 9:32 pm

Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!

bracciali regalo donna 50 anni lusso
20th March 2025 at 8:11 am

Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

ciondolo pandora stitch blu
21st March 2025 at 9:28 am

You need to take part in a contest for one of the best websites on the net. I’m going to recommend this blog!

regalo san valentino lui
22nd March 2025 at 9:41 am

Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

Konto na Binance
23rd March 2025 at 1:21 am

Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me? https://accounts.binance.com/ar/register-person?ref=V2H9AFPY

doar roupa intima usada
25th March 2025 at 8:00 pm

Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

vendo calcinha usada
26th March 2025 at 10:58 am

Virgin’s final New Adventures novel, The Dying Days by Lance Parkin, featured the Eighth Doctor.

Зарегистрироваться
27th March 2025 at 2:00 am

Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.

Anonymous
27th March 2025 at 4:18 am

Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.

binance referral
27th March 2025 at 7:41 pm

Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me. https://accounts.binance.info/en/register-person?ref=JHQQKNKN

idee regalo donna
28th March 2025 at 5:46 pm

Your style is very unique compared to other people I’ve read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this page.

idee regalo x uomo 60 anni
29th March 2025 at 4:50 pm

Thank you, I have recently been searching forinformation about this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I’ve found out so far.But, what about the conclusion? Are you positive concerning thesource?

idea regalo donna compleanno
29th March 2025 at 8:24 pm

I was more than happy to find this site. I wanted to thank you for ones time due to this fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every part of it and I have you saved to fav to check out new stuff on your web site.

зареструватися на бнанс
5th April 2025 at 5:48 am

I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

创建Binance账户
6th April 2025 at 7:34 pm

Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

binance
7th April 2025 at 3:22 am

Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

binance us registrácia
8th April 2025 at 5:54 am

Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.

Εγγραφ στο www.binance.com
8th April 2025 at 4:35 pm

I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

regalo festa del papà neonato
10th April 2025 at 5:33 pm

Thanks , I have just been looking for info approximately thistopic for a long time and yours is the greatest I’vefound out so far. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Areyou certain about the source?

idea regalo uomo 40 anni
11th April 2025 at 10:56 am

Some really nice and useful information on this site, too I conceive the style has got excellent features.

ciondolo pandora quadrifoglio e ferro di cavallo prezzo
11th April 2025 at 1:53 pm

наркологическая скорая в москве наркологическая скорая в москве .

ciondolo personalizzato cane
12th April 2025 at 3:54 pm

I need to to thank you for this good read!! I absolutely enjoyed every little bit of it. I have you book-marked to look at new stuff you post…

regalo per san valentino lei
13th April 2025 at 7:39 pm

gruppe? Der er mange mennesker, som jeg tror virkelig ville

mutandine di pizzo per uomini
13th April 2025 at 8:17 pm

díky tomuto nádhernému čtení! Rozhodně se mi líbil každý kousek z toho a já

orgone
14th April 2025 at 4:24 pm

Greatest based on its monetary strength as an organization, it earned one in all the lowest scores in J.D.

binance
15th April 2025 at 3:54 am

Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

orologi idee regalo uomo originali
15th April 2025 at 1:09 pm

Thanks for sharing. Like your post.Name

idea regalo per una donna di 70 anni
15th April 2025 at 1:22 pm

I have been browsing online more than 4 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more usefulthan ever before.

ciondolo portafoto oro giallo
16th April 2025 at 7:57 pm

Discovering Sugar Defender has been a game-changer forme, as I have actually always been vigilant about managing my blood sugar level degrees.With this supplement, I feel empowered to organize my health and wellness, and my most recent clinicalexams have actually mirrored a substantial turn-around.Having a credible ally in my corner supplies me with a complacency and peace of mind, and I’m deeply happy forthe profound distinction Sugar Protector has actually made in mywellness.

idea regalo natale mamma
17th April 2025 at 6:42 pm

Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

intimo femminile pizzo
19th April 2025 at 11:41 am

Tak Hej der til alle, det indhold, der findes på denne

Бесплатный аккаунт на binance
21st April 2025 at 1:08 am

I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

binance-
21st April 2025 at 7:32 am

Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

binance
21st April 2025 at 12:46 pm

Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

nejlepsí binance referencní kód
22nd April 2025 at 9:41 pm

I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

anm”ala dig till binance
24th April 2025 at 4:00 am

I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

Pers”onliches Konto erstellen
25th April 2025 at 5:51 am

Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!

Регистрирайте се, за да получите 100 USDT
26th April 2025 at 2:36 pm

Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

criar conta na binance
28th April 2025 at 4:25 am

Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

注册以获取100 USDT
28th April 2025 at 5:08 pm

Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

www.binance.com注册
6th May 2025 at 10:14 am

Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

νοιγμα λογαριασμο Binance
8th May 2025 at 4:36 am

I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

binance register
8th May 2025 at 11:56 am

Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!

Code de parrainage Binance
8th May 2025 at 2:56 pm

Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

binance Registrācijas bonusa kods
9th May 2025 at 10:40 pm

I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

Бонус за регистрацию в binance
11th May 2025 at 11:28 am

Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

M~a binance
11th May 2025 at 8:04 pm

Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!

Créer un compte Binance
14th May 2025 at 11:04 pm

Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.

出售二手内裤
15th May 2025 at 12:30 pm

英国俳優のジョン・ 1978年(昭和53年)には、日俳連により外画協定が締結されている。 1979年(昭和54年)、アニメ演出家の富野由悠季はテレビアニメ『機動戦士ガンダム』の制作中、『ファンタスティックコレクション』から依頼されて、声優論を展開している。 また、同番組のファンであったアニメ演出家の宮崎駿は、1992年(平成4年)に公開した『紅の豚』において森山を起用している。 2008年(平成20年) :寛政町の県立寛政高等学校跡地に、県立東部総合職業技術校(かなテクカレッジ)を開校。

binance referral bonus
15th May 2025 at 10:46 pm

Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me? https://www.binance.com/join?ref=P9L9FQKY

二手内衣回收
15th May 2025 at 10:50 pm

Drivers who can move roadside sobriety exams – they will contact their noses or walk a straight line – still may be breaking the legal limit for blood alcohol and be a hazard on the road.

Kasutatud aluspüksid müügiks
16th May 2025 at 4:29 am

Podem recomendar outros blogues/sites/fóruns que tratem dos mesmos temas?

b”asta binance h”anvisningskod
17th May 2025 at 12:20 am

Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.

aluspesu tagastamine
17th May 2025 at 8:34 am

You are so interesting! I do not believe I have read through anything like this before. So wonderful to discover somebody with some unique thoughts on this issue. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This web site is something that is required on the web, someone with a little originality.

regalo san valentino per lui personalizzato
17th May 2025 at 2:19 pm

ремонт техники профи в самаре

regalo ragazzo 16 anni
18th May 2025 at 7:31 pm

Bond, Promissory note, Cheque – a safety incorporates requirement to make full fee to the bearer of cheque, Certificate of deposit, Invoice of Lading (a Bill of Lading is a “doc evidencing the receipt of goods for shipment issued by a person engaged within the business of transporting or forwarding items.” ), Stock.

idee regalo per donna di 30 anni
19th May 2025 at 6:14 am

Each article you write is like a step in a dance, moving us gracefully through The thoughts.

Leave a reply