channel59/ThePhuketVegetarianFestival

A warrior in a state of trance. A chosen few among the participants, called warriors, will pierce themselves with objects such as nails, swords, and knives. The piercing takes place in a shrine and is followed by the most spectacular part of the festival, the street processions: just like in a parade they file along the streets of Phuket, with groups of one or several pierced warriors leading a number of people behind them. Onlookers throw fireworks at them as they pass; these are intended to be as loud as possible as the common belief is that this will banish evil spirits. The warriors walk and dance in a trance-like state, unshaken by the noise.

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Filename: h_VegetarianFestival10.jpg
Copyright: Alexander Widding/4SEE
Image Size: 4016x2131 / 1.5MB; Chinese calendar THAILAND The Phuket Vegetarian Festival alexander widding ceremonies china chinese shrine chinese temple emperor evil spirits fire walking firewalk fireworks gods good fortune jia chai kathu district ninth lunar month no alcohol no meat eating no sex phuket pierce piercing religious sacred rituals spirits spiritual cleansing street street procession thalang district vegetarian white clothes
Contained in galleries: Traditions - Thailand, Phuket Vegetarian Festival

A warrior in a state of trance. A chosen few among the participants, called warriors, will pierce themselves with objects such as nails, swords, and knives. The piercing takes place in a shrine and is followed by the most spectacular part of the festival, the street processions: just like in a parade they file along the streets of Phuket, with groups of one or several pierced warriors leading a number of people behind them. Onlookers throw fireworks at them as they pass; these are intended to be as loud as possible as the common belief is that this will banish evil spirits. The warriors walk and dance in a trance-like state, unshaken by the noise.