Explore Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival with VIP Thailand
It is not only for the beauty of a crystal-clear sea, a white sandy beach, or a wild and fun nightlife, but Phuket can also offer a visitor a rich and diverse culture from many ethnicities. In this article, VIP Thailand proudly takes you to explore and continue the long tradition of the Chinese-Thai people of Phuket, the famous annual “Thue Sin Gin Pak” festival. The yearly event is one of the highlights of the island. Locals and visitors from over the country look forward to joining it.
In October, Phuketians hold their annual vegetarian festival called ‘Thue Sin’ (to observe religious precepts) and ‘Gin Pak’ (to practice veganism) to pay respect to their gods and pray for gods’ blessing. During 9 days of this tradition, the people will refrain from consuming meat or any products from the animal. The big festival can be traced back to 185 years ago. It was brought into Phuket Island by Chinese immigrants who were mining for tin ore and those who play Chinese opera.
In a normal circumstance, the local people over the province will dress in all white. Yellow Chinese flags will be put up all over the place, and the sound of firecrackers blowing up will echo the street throughout the day. It might scare some people at first, so be prepared for the loud bang throughout nine days of the festival. The purpose of this tradition that lasts for nine days is to practice a healthy diet, to abstain from eating meat, indirectly avoid killing, and to create good karma. There are five rules to follow regarding this religious event.
- To abstain from strong tasting food such as very spicy or very salty food
- To practice 5 precepts of Buddhism, which include abstaining from killing, stealing, committing sexual misconduct, telling a lie, and consuming alcohol or harmful substances
- To think positively and remain calm
- To give, contribute, and donate to charity
- To dress in all white
On the main road, many people join the parade consisted of a peculiar and gruesome display of self-torture. I can guarantee you that you have not seen this anywhere else. Some have a sharp piece of steel going through a tongue and cheeks. You can say that it is disturbing, but it is a belief. There are beliefs that persons in the parade have possessed by gods and self-torture is a sacrifice to remove bad luck for those who practice Veganism. On each night, there will be demonstrations such as walking through burnt charcoal with bare feet, climbing the blade ladder, etc. At midnight the demonstration will be ended with a ceremony to send the god back to heaven, moreover, there are also stricter rules of this festival for anyone who wants to take it very seriously.
- Do not consume strong scent veggies such as garlic, onion, etc
- Only have meals cooked by a vegetarian
- Use dishes and cutlery separated from others
- Do not curse
- Do not touch any of the nine lamps in events or places that hold the festival. The lamp is believed to be possessed by gods that have descended from heaven to join the event
Some people believe that practicing these stricter rules will display good faith and bless them with great luck.
There are so many cultures, traditions, and local beliefs to be seen and experienced at this festival. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
This year, from October 17 – 25, Phuket can hold a giant parade and demonstration despite the COVID19 pandemic with a new normal concept by holding strict measures and mandating face masks for all attendants. Measures to prevent the infection continue to ensure the safety of all visitors.
This is true Phuket. The Island is full of activities and rich in culture and diversities.
Explore Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival with VIP Thailand
It is not only for the beauty of a crystal-clear sea, a white sandy beach, or a wild and fun nightlife, but Phuket can also offer a visitor a rich and diverse culture from many ethnicities. In this article, VIP Thailand proudly takes you to explore and continue the long tradition of the Chinese-Thai people of Phuket, the famous annual “Thue Sin Gin Pak” festival. The yearly event is one of the highlights of the island. Locals and visitors from over the country look forward to joining it.
In October, Phuketians hold their annual vegetarian festival called ‘Thue Sin’ (to observe religious precepts) and ‘Gin Pak’ (to practice veganism) to pay respect to their gods and pray for gods’ blessing. During 9 days of this tradition, the people will refrain from consuming meat or any products from the animal. The big festival can be traced back to 185 years ago. It was brought into Phuket Island by Chinese immigrants who were mining for tin ore and those who play Chinese opera.
In a normal circumstance, the local people over the province will dress in all white. Yellow Chinese flags will be put up all over the place, and the sound of firecrackers blowing up will echo the street throughout the day. It might scare some people at first, so be prepared for the loud bang throughout nine days of the festival. The purpose of this tradition that lasts for nine days is to practice a healthy diet, to abstain from eating meat, indirectly avoid killing, and to create good karma. There are five rules to follow regarding this religious event.
- To abstain from strong tasting food such as very spicy or very salty food
- To practice 5 precepts of Buddhism, which include abstaining from killing, stealing, committing sexual misconduct, telling a lie, and consuming alcohol or harmful substances
- To think positively and remain calm
- To give, contribute, and donate to charity
- To dress in all white
On the main road, many people join the parade consisted of a peculiar and a gruesome display of self-torture. I can guarantee you that you have not seen this anywhere else. Some have a sharp piece of steel going through a tongue and cheeks. You can say that it is disturbing, but it is a belief. There are beliefs that persons in the parade have possessed by gods and self-torture is a sacrifice to remove bad luck for those who practice Veganism. On each night, there will be demonstrations such as walking through burnt charcoal with bare feet, climbing the blade ladder, etc. At midnight the demonstration will be ended with a ceremony to send the god back to heaven, moreover there are also stricter rules of this festival for anyone who wants to take it very seriously.
- Do not consume strong scent veggies such as garlic, onion, etc
- Only have meals cooked by a vegetarian
- Use dishes and cutlery separated from others
- Do not curse
- Do not touch any of the nine lamps in events or places that hold the festival. The lamp is believed to be possessed by gods that have descended from heaven to join the event
Some people believe that practicing these stricter rules will display good faith and bless them with great luck.
There are so many cultures, traditions, and local beliefs to be seen and experienced at this festival. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
This year, from October 17 – 25, Phuket can hold a giant parade and demonstration despite the COVID19 pandemic with a new normal concept by holding strict measures and mandating face masks for all attendants. Measures to prevent the infection continue to ensure the safety of all visitors.
This is true Phuket. The Island is full of activities and rich in culture and diversities.
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