A fascinating aspect of Thai culture is the nine-day purge known as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Held each year in the month of October, the festival includes an unusual parade that may take you aback the first time that you witness the strange sights. People pierce their tongue, cheeks and other parts of the body with sharp metal objects. Some even go to the extent of carrying large metal tools through their piercings. For instance, some carry bicycles, large swords and rifles which are pierced through the cheek and the tongue and balanced by both hands. The ritual is intense and is somewhat gruesome to watch, and it is not the type of thing that most tourists are accustomed to. However, the strength and the determination of the Thais to carry these objects and their self-sacrificial nature of piercing their own body present an astonishing feat of human dedication and drive that must be experienced firsthand.
If you wish to attend the festival, you must make your way to Ranong Road and purchase a festival outfit for a few dollars. The procession begins at 8am and goes on till late at night. The cutting ceremonies are performed in the temples in Phuket. If you have the stomach to watch it, you should attend one of these events. There are other activities too that are held in the temples, such as fire walking, fire breathing and climbing ladders composed entirely of daggers.
If you arrived in Phuket especially to see the festival, then don’t miss out on the closing ceremony, which is a stunning spectacle, and it comprises a final ceremony for the gods. Secure a place on Phuket Road and watch out for the fireworks and the golden shrines which are carried across the street. If you fancy a bite after the festival, take a stroll down Ranong Road, where you will discover a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes and some fresh juices available. When looking for an optimal place to host your stay here, take a look at a stylish Phuket resort in the area such as the range of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels for some of the best deals for lodging. Travelling in the city can be quite tiring, so a Patong beach resort would be ideal for your stay for some welcome relaxation in the tropics.
A fascinating aspect of Thai culture is the nine-day purge known as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Held each year in the month of October, the festival includes an unusual parade that may take you aback the first time that you witness the strange sights. People pierce their tongue, cheeks and other parts of the body with sharp metal objects. Some even go to the extent of carrying large metal tools through their piercings. For instance, some carry bicycles, large swords and rifles which are pierced through the cheek and the tongue and balanced by both hands. The ritual is intense and is somewhat gruesome to watch, and it is not the type of thing that most tourists are accustomed to. However, the strength and the determination of the Thais to carry these objects and their self-sacrificial nature of piercing their own body present an astonishing feat of human dedication and drive that must be experienced firsthand.