The Jui Tui Shrine, one of Phuket’s oldest and most respected Chinese shrines, led the procession from its grounds early this morning, making its way through the city streets toward Saphan Hin.
The event drew thousands of local residents and visiting tourists, both Thai and foreign, who gathered along the route to pay respects and witness the spectacular display of devotion.
This annual procession is recognised as the longest and largest of all during the nine-day Vegetarian Festival. Spirit mediums, believed to be possessed by deities, pierced their cheeks, tongues, and bodies with a variety of objects, including swords, umbrellas, spears, and the symbolic ‘mandala’ ‒ representing the head of the Buddha.
Participants, many dressed in ceremonial white, are believed to absorb and cleanse the misfortunes of onlookers through their acts of self-mortification. Devotees along the route lit firecrackers, offered incense and fruit, and set up tables of offerings as the spirit mediums passed by.
FLAMES OF FAITH
Jui Tui Shrine last night held its traditional or fire-walking ceremony on the grounds of Luang Pho Road in Phuket Town.
Beginning at 8pm, the ritual drew large crowds of devotees and visitors dressed in white, symbolising purity and spiritual cleansing.
The fire-walking ceremony is among the most sacred events of the Vegetarian Festival, representing the power of divine protection and the triumph of purity over physical suffering. Participants ‒ both spirit mediums and lay devotees ‒ ran or walked barefoot over red-hot embers, a feat believed to demonstrate purity of body, speech, and mind.
Before the ritual began, the spirit of Kiew Ong Tai Te, the principal deity of Jui Tui Shrine, was ceremonially invited to bless the sacred grounds and those taking part.
The annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival, which this continues through to Wednesday (Oct 29), continues to serve as a powerful testament to the island’s deep-rooted Chinese-Thai cultural heritage and enduring faith.
Tomorrow (Oct 28), the eighth day of the festival, will feature the procession of the Buddha image from Kathu Shrine ‒ the birthplace of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival ‒ beginning at 6:45am. The Jui Tui Tao Bo Keng Shrine will also hold the ceremony at 7pm, a ritual to ward off bad luck.