Rain doesn't stop Phuket: Thousands celebrate the Vegetarian Festival!

Rain doesn't stop Phuket: Thousands celebrate the Vegetarian Festival!

Things are getting really exciting in Phuket! On October 25, 2025, thousands of people gathered in Phuket Town to witness the Iw Keng processions during the annual Vegetarian Festival. Despite the persistent rain, the visitors were undeterred and arrived early to receive their blessings and pay respect to the gods. The processions, which originate from the recognized shrines of Tha Ruea and Jeng Ong, are a highlight of this impressive festival that fills the island with spiritual energy.

The ceremony began at Jeng Ong Shrine, directly opposite Vachira Phuket Hospital. The spiritual mediums, appearing to enter a trance, showed extraordinary devotion and pierced their cheeks and bodies with knives and sharp objects, channeling divine energy. This is a tradition of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, known for its intense expressions of faith and purification rites. Participation in these ritual practices ensures a strong sense of community and reverence among believers.

Celebrations and rituals

The procession moved from Phuket Rajabhat University along Thepkasattri Street to Saphan Hin, where daily rituals continue to take place during the nine-day festivities. In the parade, participants carried offerings, incense sticks and sacred banners while asking for divine blessings for the community and the entire island. A standout among the participants was Princess Fan Lek, who led the Tha Ruea Shrine group and danced through the pouring rain herself.

• Die Veranstaltung erstreckt sich vom 20. bis 30. Oktober 2025.
• Hauptorte sind: Jui Tui Shrine, Bang Neow Shrine und Sui Boon Tong Shrine.
• Rituale umfassen unter anderem das Feuerlaufen am 26. Oktober und die Iu Keng Prozession am 27. Oktober.

Despite the weather conditions, the atmosphere was characterized by a strong spiritual energy. Many visitors even viewed the rain as a heavenly cleansing, adding to the sacredness of the rituals. The Vegetarian Festival, also known as Gin Pak, has its roots in a story from 1800 when a Chinese opera group fell ill in Kathu and revived the vegetarian tradition. This shows the deep-rooted cultural significance of this festival.

Participate and enjoy

Anyone traveling in Phuket during this time will be treated to a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes. Even though non-vegetarian restaurants remain largely closed, there are numerous food stalls offering creative meat-free dishes, all marked with yellow flags and red Thai lettering. Preparations for this event have been ongoing for months and include the construction of firewalking pits and ceremonial altars.

The next highlights of the festival are the Bang Neow Shrine procession on October 26th at 7am, and the closing ceremony with the final Ko Teng Pole Raising will take place on October 30th. This year's festival not only offers a deep insight into Taoist culture, but also the opportunity to be part of an impressive spiritual community steeped in beliefs and traditions.

If you are planning a visit, you should look for accommodation in the recommended areas such as Phuket Old Town or Saphan Hin in good time and book well in advance! Don't forget to wear the typical white clothing to really immerse yourself in the festival feeling.

For more information about the festival and upcoming events visit The Thaiger, Phuket Community and Phuket 101.