The festival, which ran from Oct 21-29, culminated in the sacred send-off of the deities Yok Hong Song Tao and Kiew Hong Tai Te (the Nine Emperor Gods), revered as the supreme deities of the festival.
From early evening, processions from participating shrines made their way through Phuket Town, converging at Saphan Hin Cape for ‘Yok Hong Song Tao’ and ‘Kiew Hong Tai Te’ send-off ceremonies. Along the route, devotees set off millions of firecrackers in deafening tribute, enveloping the city in thick smoke and light.
As the deities’ palanquins passed, participants continuously ignited strings of firecrackers in acts of reverence and celebration, filling the air with thunderous bursts that could be heard across the city.
The final ceremony to send off Yok Hong Song Tao, held near the Ko Teng pillar at about 10:30pm, marked the symbolic return of the deities to heaven. Once the divine send-off was complete, all lights inside the shrines were extinguished and the gates closed, signifying the end of this year’s spiritual observances.
Despite the festive atmosphere, emergency responders from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation reported several injuries among participants and volunteers struck by stray firecrackers. The injured were transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital for treatment.
Festival organisers expressed gratitude to all participants and urged continued care during the closing rituals today (Oct 30), when each shrine will lower its Ko Teng (sacred pole) from 4pm, officially marking the end of the 2025 festival.
The Phuket Provincial Shrine Association has also confirmed that the Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2026 will take place from Oct 10-18, 2026.