Phuket –
The rhythmic beat of drums, the crackle of firecrackers, and a sea of white-clad devotees signaled the start of one of Thailand’s most revered spiritual traditions—the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. This year’s opening ceremony at Kathu Shrine carried special significance, marking the 200th anniversary of the shrine and the bicentennial of the festival’s origins in Phuket.
At precisely 5:00 p.m., the sacred “Go Teng” pole was raised in a solemn ritual that officially commenced the nine-day festival. The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Samawit Supanpai, Deputy Governor of Phuket, and attended by a host of local dignitaries including Mr. Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization; Mr. Wichai Kiatitansakul, Provincial Council Member for Kathu District; and Mr. Wannayut Suttikul, Mayor of Kathu Municipality.
The atmosphere was charged with devotion and anticipation. Yellow flags fluttered in the breeze, symbolizing purity and the abstention from meat, while the scent of incense mingled with the sound of ceremonial gongs. Participants, dressed in white to signify spiritual cleansing, paid homage to the Nine Emperor Gods, whose blessings are believed to bring good fortune and protection.
Kathu Shrine holds a special place in the heart of Phuket’s cultural and spiritual identity. Established two centuries ago, it is widely recognized as the birthplace of the island’s Vegetarian Festival—a tradition rooted in Chinese Taoist beliefs and brought to Phuket by immigrant communities. Over the years, the festival has evolved into a vibrant expression of faith, discipline, and cultural pride, drawing visitors from across Thailand and around the world.
To commemorate its 200th anniversary, Kathu Shrine has organized an expanded program of rituals, processions, and cultural performances throughout the festival period. The celebrations aim not only to honor the shrine’s legacy but also to reinforce the values of compassion, purification, and community solidarity that lie at the heart of the festival.
As Phuket continues to grow as a global tourism destination, the Vegetarian Festival remains a powerful reminder of the island’s spiritual roots and the enduring strength of its cultural heritage.
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