The traditional Vegetarian Festival is starting in Phuket. The attention of tourists these days is attracted by mass processions, the participants of which walk barefoot on coals and pierce their skin all over their bodies with rods and knives. This is written by Thailand-News.
From October 9 to 17 on the island of Phuket in Thailand will host the Vegetarian Festival, also known as the Nine Emperors Festival. The event begins each year with the Seng Ko Dan Tiao ceremony, the raising of the golden mast. The festive ritual will unfold on the first night of the festival in more than 30 temples across the province.
The most famous attribute of the Vegetarian Festival is the street demonstrations, which begin early in the morning and last until lunch. During such processions, specially selected participants, called Ma Son, fall into a state of trance, after which they pierce their cheeks and skin with knives, rods, bamboo sticks and other piercing and cutting instruments. Thais believe that such sacrifices help to cleanse themselves of evil and sins. The parade is accompanied by loud music, drumming and incessant explosions of firecrackers.
Food plays a special role at the festival. Locals abstain from meat, as well as garlic, onions, and chili peppers, which, according to Thais, awaken passion and lust. During the festival, all Chinese temples in Phuket set up tables with free vegetarian food, which anyone can try.
The main events of the festival take place in Phuket's Chinese temples. Among them are the oldest Jui Tui near the main market, Bang Neow near the Robinson Center, the Kiw Tieng Keng Church, the Phra Phrom Thada Temple on Pha Tana Road, and the Sam Kong Temple in northern Phuket. The festival ends with a night procession, a ritual of burning a paper castle, and the launching of palanquins - stretchers on two poles.
Source: news.turizm.ru