Phuket:The first day of the 2026 Vegetarian Festival commenced with a vibrant procession organized by the Jao Su Kong Nakha Shrine. The event featured mediums piercing their cheeks with sharp weapons as part of the traditional ritual. Locals and tourists, mostly dressed in white, gathered to witness the lively procession and set up tables to welcome the deities.
According to Thai News Agency, the "Iew Keng" procession began on October 9th at the Hun Jong Aam Cho Su Kong, also known as the Nakha Shrine, and advanced to Saphan Hin Peninsula. There, blessings were invoked before the procession continued through various routes in Phuket town, eventually returning to the shrine. The clear, rain-free weather contributed to the event's success, attracting a continuous stream of spectators.
Participants in the procession, including male and female mediums, performed rituals involving the piercing of cheeks with traditional items. This act is believed to symbolize taking on suffering for those observing the vegetarian diet and the general public, reflecting the deep-rooted faith in Phuket's way of life.
Throughout the procession route, Phuket residents displayed their devotion by setting up tables with incense outside their homes and offices to welcome the deities' sacred images. The event captured the interest of both Thai and foreign tourists, adding to the lively atmosphere under the clear sky.
The procession covered several key locations, starting from the Cho Su Kong Nakha Shrine and moving along Chao Fa Tawan Tok Road, past Wat Nakharam, and through the Saphan Hin intersection, before returning to the shrine via Phuket Road. People lined the streets to welcome the deities with faith and enthusiasm.
The Yiu Keng ceremony, integral to the Vegetarian Festival, symbolizes the deities' journey to bless and visit the community. The procession included flags, banners, palanquins, and sedan chairs carrying images of deities, notably the "Tai Pi" and "Tuo Lian," which carry the image of Kiu Ong Tai Te.
The festival's opening day showcased the strong faith and unity of Phuket's people in preserving their unique traditions. It also provided tourists with an opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Phuket. The festival's next procession will feature deities from the Guan Te Kun Shrine and the Sam Pai Kong Shrine.