Phuket:The first day of Phuket's Vegetarian Festival 2026 commenced with a vibrant procession featuring a display of religious devotion and traditional rituals. The Jao Su Kong Nakha shrine initiated the day's events with a procession around the city, where mediums used sharp weapons to pierce their cheeks, drawing in a lively crowd of onlookers.
According to Thai News Agency, the "Iew Keng" procession, a key event of the Vegetarian Festival, began on October 9th and started at the Hun Jong Aam Cho Su Kong, also known as the Nakha Shrine. The procession proceeded to the Saphan Hin Peninsula for blessings before traveling through various routes in Phuket town and eventually returning to the shrine. The clear and rain-free weather attracted a steady stream of locals and tourists, many dressed in white, who gathered to witness the event.
The procession included male and female mediums performing rituals by piercing their cheeks with weapons and sharp objects, a tradition reflecting the deep-rooted beliefs of taking on suffering for the community. This practice underscores the community's strong faith and commitment to the vegetarian lifestyle.
Residents along the procession route set up tables, lit incense, and waited to receive the sacred images with great devotion. The event also drew significant interest from both Thai and foreign tourists, contributing to the lively atmosphere under the clear skies.
The procession route started at the Cho Su Kong Nakha Shrine, continued along Chao Fa Tawan Tok Road, moved towards Wat Nakharam, and passed through Saphan Hin intersection and Phuket Road, before reaching the end of Saphan Hin Cape and returning to the shrine. People lined the streets, welcoming the deities with tables set up along the way.
The Yiu Keng ceremony, involving the procession of deities around the city, is a significant aspect of the Vegetarian Festival. It symbolizes the deities' journey to bless and visit the people, featuring flags, banners, palanquins carrying the deity image known as "Tai Pi," Chinese umbrellas called "Niu Siu," and the large palanquin "Tuo Lian," which carries the image of Kiu Ong Tai Te.
The festival's opening day highlights the strong faith of Phuket's residents, who are united in preserving this unique local tradition. It provides tourists with an opportunity to engage with the rich culture, beliefs, and way of life that have been handed down through generations.
Tomorrow's events will include processions featuring deities from the Guan Te Kun Shrine in Sapam and the Sam Pai Kong Shrine, also known as the Bang Khu Shrine.