Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2010
Like every year, Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2010 will be held between 08 and 16 October with all devotion, enthusiasm and excitement
. During this festival, the followers, particularly Chinese descendants, observe strict vegetarianism and other rituals to cleanse the sins committed and to regain health and peace of mind. Phuket, already a popular tourist spot in Thailand, witnesses a rise in the number of travellers during this time of the year. If you also want to be a part of this colourful festival that will serve as your window to the culture of Phuket, start looking for cheap tickets to Thailand.Origin of the festival
The origin of the festival is not known but the mythical tale in circulation states that some Chinese Opera performers during their visit to the region had fallen ill and to recover from the illness they observed vegetarianism, cleanliness and abstinence from meat, sex and alcohol and offered prayers to the Chinese gods.
Rules followed during Phuket Vegetarian Festival
During thefestival, the followers live on strict vegetarian diet, abstain from meat, sex and intoxicants, wear white apparel, observe cleanliness, and share clean kitchen utensils with the participants of the festival only. Pregnant women and those who are mourning are exempted from participating in the festival.
Ceremonies held during the festival
The raising of the lantern pole marks the inauguration of the festival when, it is believed that the Hindu god, Lord Shiva, the source of energy, descends to induce power upon the observers who get into a state of trance and enact dare-devil acts. The pole is generally more than 10 metres long and erected in the vicinity of the Chinese temples scattered all over Phuket. Jui Tui Shrine is the chief shrine located near the Fresh Market in Phuket town.
During the festival, the shops and streets are decorated with festoons and flags. The streets are chock-a-block with people who venture out to see the brilliant display of lights and daring acts and performances that take place. One will find men and women piercing their bodies with sharp objects, walking barefoot on hot and burning charcoal or climbing the sharp-edged rungs of a ladder, acts that are considered as rituals to seek the blessings of the God.
Local people bring their household gods, food and drinks to the temple to benefit from the positive energy that fills the temple. As a mark of respect, visitors can light incense sticks and candles. If all these sound interesting and you are yearning for some spiritual contentment then spot a travel agent who is expert in Thailand holidays and who would be able to book cheap flights for you from London to Phuket.
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