Phuket –
The annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival officially commenced today with the ceremonial raising of the “Go Teng” pole and the lighting of nine divine lanterns at 39 participating shrines across the island. The rituals mark the spiritual opening of the nine-day festival, celebrated for over two centuries as a time of purification, devotion, and cultural reverence.
At 4:45 p.m., shrines throughout Phuket held synchronized ceremonies to erect the Go Teng pole—a towering bamboo structure symbolizing the invitation to the Nine Emperor Gods to descend and preside over the festivities. The lanterns, representing divine presence and protection, were hoisted to the top of the pole in front of large crowds of devotees and tourists, many dressed in traditional white attire to signify purity.
One of the most prominent ceremonies took place at Jui Tui Tao Bo Keng Shrine in Phuket Town, where Deputy Prime Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn presided over the ritual alongside Phuket Governor Saran Sak Srikruanate, Provincial Administrative Organization President Rewat Areerob, and festival chairman Saroj Angkanapilas. The event drew hundreds of participants, including local officials, shrine caretakers, and visitors from around the world. As the final lantern was raised, heavy rain poured down, adding a dramatic backdrop to the spiritual proceedings.
Among the most striking elements of the ceremony were the “Ma Song”—entranced spirit mediums—who performed acts of ritual self-mortification using traditional weapons such as axes and swords. These displays, believed to absorb misfortune on behalf of the community, are a hallmark of the festival’s intense spiritual devotion.
At midnight, shrines will conduct the sacred invocation of the Nine Emperor Gods and Lord Shiva, formally inviting them to preside over the festival. The nine lanterns will remain aloft throughout the event, symbolizing the gods’ presence and the sanctity of the rituals to follow.
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival, locally known as “Jia Chai,” runs from October 21 to 29 and is rooted in Taoist traditions brought to the island by Chinese immigrants. Participants observe a strict vegetarian diet, refrain from harmful behaviors, and engage in daily ceremonies aimed at spiritual cleansing and merit-making.
Throughout the festival, each shrine will host a series of elaborate rituals including:
- Kho Khun: a ceremony honoring divine soldiers
- Liam Keng: continuous chanting as the gods take residence in the shrines
- Invocation of Lam Tao and Pak Tao: deities who govern birth and death
- Oil bathing, fire walking, and bladed ladder ascents
- City-wide processions and rites of exorcism and blessing
Locals believe that attending the Go Teng ceremony and participating in the festival brings auspiciousness and spiritual fulfillment for themselves and their families. The event continues to be a powerful expression of Phuket’s cultural heritage, drawing thousands of visitors each year to witness its unique blend of faith, endurance, and community spirit.
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