This year’s Phuket Vegetarian Festival will take place from October 3 to 11, according to provincial governor Sophon Suwannarat. The annual Vegetarian Festival is always one of the biggest local festivals on the island.
Sophon confirmed the dates at a meeting with officials yesterday, August 7. The meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall was attended by a plethora of local officials, including Norasak Suksomboon, Phuket’s vice governor, and Pichaiyut Singhasami, chief of the Phuket Culture Office.
Various festival guidelines were also discussed, with Sophon acknowledging the collaboration between the Phuket Provincial Office, the Phuket Shrine Association, and other agencies in organising what is arguably the most popular event in the island’s calendar.
Sophon also highlighted the significance of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival and its importance to the island’s residents. The festival involves various customs carried out by Chinese descendants on the island and is traditionally referred to as the Ninth Emperor God Festival.
Those taking part will eat only a vegetarian diet for 9 days, while also foregoing strong flavours like sugar, salt, and spices. Participants wear white clothing only and take part in various religious ceremonies at the island’s temples. The biggest of these is the ceremony held at Wat Jui Tui Tao Bo Keang on Ranong Road in the sub-district of Talad Nuea.
Meanwhile, an official government report of yesterday’s meeting outlined the key activities that will take place during the festival. They include a procession in honour of His Majesty the King, a ceremony to chant blessings to King Vajiralongkorn, and the pilgrimage to 9 shrines over 9 days to pay homage to Buddha.
SOURCE: The Phuket News
