News Forum - Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off, poles raised to call spirits down from the heavens

[Thaiger]

The famous Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicked off yesterday, with its traditional ceremony to welcome spirits to descend from the heavens, but under Covid-19 restrictions. Go Teng poles were raised at participating shrines as a call for the Jade Emperor and Nine Emperor Gods to come down to earth.  During the festival, some will practice self-mutilation, such as tongue slicing or body piercing, to enter a holy trance-like state and channel spirits through their bodies. These practitioners are known as “Mah Song,” or spirit mediums, and their bloody procession through the streets is viewed as a deeply spiritual event. The festival […]

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[AlexPTY]

2 hours ago, Thaiger said:

Go Teng poles were raised at participating shrines as a call for the Jade Emperor and Nine Emperor Gods to come down to earth.

this will pop ASQ occupancy rates

[Richard61]

Why is this being allowed during a pandemic when Phuket desperately needs to attract more tourist in order to survive?

[gummy]

3 hours ago, Richard61 said:

Why is this being allowed during a pandemic when Phuket desperately needs to attract more tourist in order to survive?

The Thai Administrations prime objective - Getting money from anybody

[Rain]

3 hours ago, Richard61 said:

Why is this being allowed during a pandemic when Phuket desperately needs to attract more tourist in order to survive?

Actually, such gatherings shouldn't be attempted in Phuket, as they've seen some of the highest spikes in the country of the last month or so.....granted, Phuket also has one of the highest vaccination rates in the country as well. 

 

Toss up.

 

[Jason]

Festivals...large gatherings of people to celebrate vegetarian events?? In any other year...no problem!!! In the middle of a pandemic....not so smart. Phuket has to be a sandbox. And the "definition" of a sandbox is that it is a quarantined place. Everyone who arrives, be they Thai or International traveller is immunised and tested. Even then, large gatherings..not advisable. I'm planning to come to Phuket early next year. I won't be going to any festival. Just want to enjoy the environment, drive around on a motorbike with my girl and have nice place to stay...simple. I'm not alone....

[DoUKnowWhoIAm]

Phuket+festival is a big NO WAY.
Under any circumstance.