Phuket Vegetarian Festival: History, Traditions and Schedule for 2024
Autumn is a special time in Phuket, when the roads are filled with long traffic jams and the air is filled with the aromas of fresh tropical fruits, fried dough and thick smoke from fireworks.
This means only one thing - the famous Vegetarian Festival has begun on the island. For some, this spectacle may seem shocking and even frightening, for others - incredibly exciting and exotic. Today I will tell you about the features of this amazing event and where this tradition originates.
History of the festival
In the early 19th century, many Chinese workers arrived on the island of Phuket to work in the tin mines. They brought with them their cultural traditions, including theatrical performances that ridiculed human vices and weaknesses. However, in 1825, a fever epidemic broke out on the island, and the devout Chinese believed that this was punishment from angry gods for their mockery.
In search of forgiveness, it was decided to hold a purification ritual - the Vegetarian Festival, which was supposed to appease the heavenly patrons. After the festival, the epidemic really retreated, and since then, locals believe that by observing this ritual once a year, you can ensure the protection and favor of the gods. The festival is held annually on the first nine days of the ninth month of the lunar calendar.
Ma-songs: Who are they?
The main participants of the festival are called ma-song, which literally translates as "saddled horse." Ma-song are people who, for the duration of the festival, surrender their bodies to the spirits of the Nine Emperor Gods to atone for their own sins and the sins of their ancestors. In a trance-like state, they subject their bodies to severe ordeals: piercing their cheeks with metal objects, whipping themselves with whips, cutting themselves with knives, dousing themselves with hot oil, and torturing themselves in various other ways.
According to tradition, the Ma-song do not feel pain due to their trance state, and their wounds inflicted during rituals heal quickly, leaving no scars. Becoming a Ma-song is voluntary.
In recent years, there have been more and more women among the Masong, although previously this was strictly forbidden and only an adult man could become one.
Attitude to the festival
Locals treat the festival with great respect and, what’s more, they happily bring their children to the processions to show them this ancient ritual. However, for tourists, especially those who are not used to such spectacles, the festival can be a real shock. In tourist areas, the Ma Song processions do not take place, but if you go to the Kathu or Phuket Town areas, you can see the festival in all its majestic and frightening glory. So if you are planning a trip to Phuket at this time, take this aspect of the festival into account.
Rules of conduct at the festival
- Participants and spectators of the festival are required to observe a strict fast: meat, alcohol, sex, rude speech and bad thoughts are prohibited.
- Personal hygiene plays an important role: participants must keep their home and kitchen clean and use only clean dishes and kitchen utensils.
- All festival participants must wear white clothes, symbolizing purity.
- Abstaining from unworthy actions and bad thoughts is one of the key requirements.
- Pregnant women and children are prohibited from participating in the Ma-song processions and are also discouraged from attending these rituals, although this rule is not always observed.
- Women who are in their menstrual cycle are prohibited from visiting temples during ritual events.
- People in mourning are prohibited from participating in the festival.
Every year, this festival attracts many tourists who want to see the unique traditions and experience the atmosphere of spiritual purification and redemption. However, it is worth remembering that the spectacle can be quite extreme, especially for those who are not familiar with such rituals. If you are planning to attend the Masong processions for the first time and the sight of blood is unpleasant for you, we recommend that you bring ammonia (or a Thai herbal inhaler - photo below, sold at the checkout at 7/11) and do not go alone.
If you plan to attend the closing of the festival (in the evening), we recommend that you bring earplugs, a face mask (to avoid breathing in smoke and firecracker residue) and clear glasses to protect your eyes. This event is very loud, dusty and all the streets of the old city will be filled with smoke.
Schedule of events during the festival in 2024
In 2024, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival will be held from October 3 to 11.
Street processions will take place (Masong processions):
4th October (7.00am) - PALAI COMMUNITY
October 4 (7.30am) - from JCHOOR SU TONG NAKA SHRINE
5th October (7.00 am) - from SAPAM SHRINE
October 5 (7.00 am) - from HAI YIAN GENG SHRINE
October 5 (7.00 am) - from SENG LENG TONG SHRINE
The schedule will be updated soon. Follow the updates in the article.
October 11 (evening) - Farewell ceremony with the Gods. A very noisy procession from the Chinese temples in Phuket Town to the temple in Sapanhin Park.
