Tradition has it that the so-called nine emperors gods come down the poles for their annual earthly holiday. Other Chinese shrines and temples on the island followed suit with the same ceremonies to enable the gods to once more walk the earth.
Once the gods were earthbound at Jui Tui Shrine, holy mediums known as Mah Song clad in white clothing carried out their own sacred rituals to launch the veggie fest. This year’s festival has been toned down in respect for the funeral rites of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the 26 October.
12GO ASIA says an events schedule released by the festival organisers has revealed the parades and festivals which are a feature of the proceedings will take place but have been tweaked to reflect the official mourning period for King Bhumibol. Climbing blade ladders and walking on fire rites will be held on the 26, 27 and 28 October.
Phuket governor welcomes gods from heaven for veggie fest
News in Asia
A traditional ceremony held at Phuket’s Jui Tui Shrine yesterday evening ushered in the 2017 edition of the island’s vegetarian festival. The island’s governor, Norraphat Plodthong, oversaw a lantern-hoisting ceremony known as Seng Ko Teng Thiao at exactly 17:09.