Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Street procession in Phuket town during Phuket vegetarian festival. The origins of the festival date back to 1825, when a traveling Chinese opera company came to Phuket to perform for the miners there. An epidemic broke out and as the members of the company fell sick, they adhered to a vegetarian diet to honor two of the Emperor Gods, Kiew Ong Tai Teh and Yok Ong Sone Teh. When they became well again shortly thereafter, the people of Phuket followed the company’s example - and have celebrated the festival ever since to bring good luck to their communities.

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Filename: h_Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2013oktober 09, 2013039.jpg
Copyright: Alexander Widding/4SEE
Image Size: 4200x2795 / 2.4MB; 2013 4see 4see photographers alexander widding festival jia chai nine emperor gods festival phuket phuket vegetarian festival phuket vegetarian festival 2013 street procession thailand
Contained in galleries: Traditions - Thailand, Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Street procession in Phuket town during Phuket vegetarian festival. The origins of the festival date back to 1825, when a traveling Chinese opera company came to Phuket to perform for the miners there. An epidemic broke out and as the members of the company fell sick, they adhered to a vegetarian diet to honor two of the Emperor Gods, Kiew Ong Tai Teh and Yok Ong Sone Teh. When they became well again shortly thereafter, the people of Phuket followed the company’s example - and have celebrated the festival ever since to bring good luck to their communities.