Phuket Vegetarian Festival
Nine Emperor Gods Festival in Phuket
Origins of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival
The yearly Phuket Vegetarian Festival is also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. This Taoist celebration is held during the first nine days of the ninth month of the lunar calendar. Fasting ceremonies have always been practiced and are named ‘Chai’ in Taoism religion. Here are the origins of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival…
In 1825, Phuket was covered with a dense forest inhabited by tigers and other hostile creatures. Chinese people - survivors of the 1809's Burma invasion, Chinese ‘Hokkien’, ‘Suo Thao’ and ‘Ai Ming’, settled in Nai Tu Village (former name of Kathu Village) where Tin mines offered job opportunities. Kathu was prosperous, counting numerous houses, stores, and even a Chinese opera!
At that time, a mysterious fever was spreading in villages surrounding Kathu. Keen Taoist adherent, the opera director noted that old and traditional rituals were not observed in Phuket as well as in China. So, he decided to set up a fasting ritual with the actors of the troop. After 9 days of fasting, the disease stopped and no one in Kathu got sick afterward.
However, a Chinese man from Kang-Si thought that a lot of differences remained in the ritual, when compared with the way it was done in China. He offered to go back to China to find and bring back sacred statues, items and healing books. People from Nai Tu collected money to help him: travel to China and come back was a long way in the middle of 19th century.
One year later, he arrived in Phuket Town at Bang Niao pier, on the 7th day of the ninth lunar month. He brought back books, talismans, magic formulas, and a sign to place at the front of the shrine. All people from Kathu went to welcome him and escort him back to Kathu in a procession: Phuket Vegetarian festival was born.
Nine Emperor Gods and 36,000 Gods plus specific divinities protect each of us. To thank them, it is only asked to lay fresh flowers on the spirit house all year round. Once a year, a fast has to be done: in that way, all sins are pushed away.
It is a matter of fact that many diseases were caused by all the bad actions, weird thought and naughty behaviours. During fasting, everything is great; a good feeling spreads in the community. This ceremony of fast, named ‘djae chai’ (vegetarian fasting) in Phuket, is held on the first nine days of the ninth month of the lunar calendar. The figure 9 is an entirety symbol in Taoism.
10 commitments to be followed during the Festival
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Cleanliness of the body
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Use special kitchen utensils only for the festival
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Dress in white or in a very light color
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Behave physically and mentally
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Don't eat: meat, fish, eggs, milk
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No sex
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No alcoholic beverage
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People in mourning should not go to any ceremony
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Pregnant ladies should not go to any ceremony
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Women should not go to any ceremony during their period
On the penultimate evening of the festival, you can assist and participate to the 'crossing of the bridge' ceremony which is held at all the Chinese shrines involved in the festival. People who did not follow the commitments seriously should not try to cross the bridge, as they may fall before to reach the other end. People who cross the bridge successfully receive a red stamp on the back of their white shirt or tee-shirt, as a reward from the Gods for their commitment.
In Phuket Town, nowadays...
Apart from the Muslim community, the entire city follows the festival and, if possible, the rituals. Everyone is dressed in white and shows respect in a very peaceful atmosphere. Everyone eats the delicious vegetarian cuisine, goes to watch the miraculous healing ceremonies, and the mortifications which are not a display of power but a way to pay for other people’s sins.
When mediums pierce their cheeks, walk on fire, beat their back with an axe or climb a razor blades ladder, they take in them all the pain and sorrow, all the misfortune and sadness from the world. Mediums suffer to make you feel better. Possessed by a god, they don't feel pain anymore. When a medium comes close to you, it is a sign of good luck for you; join your hands as in a prayer and listen carefully: a God is talking to you...
Phuket Vegetarian Festival Photos
Stéphane Audiger - Photographer & Writer
Passionate about photography since the mid-2000s, I’ve spent years capturing the beauty of Phuket and southern Thailand — from beaches and islands to festivals and daily life. My work reflects a lasting love for the region and its ever-changing light.
Last occurrence & photos: Phuket Vegetarian Festival — October 21–29, 2025
