Phuket Vegetarian Festival or “Jea Chai“, The word “Jea Chai” literally means “to eat vegetables” which has a long history. Since the Phraya Thalang period Moved to Phuket city to establish Getho Village This area is rich in tin ore. And it was a mineral that was in high demand in the industry at that time.
Later there was the Puo Hee opera troupe. From China came to perform here. But with the terrain in this area being dense forest Infested with mosquitoes and malaria The opera troupe gradually Gradually falling ill So they held a ceremony to eat vegetables at the opera house to pay homage to the gods. Prince Qiu Tai Te (Nine Kings) and Emperor Songde to ask for forgiveness It appears that various illnesses has completely disappeared
This incident therefore created a great deal of respect among the Getho villagers. Since then, a vegetable eating ceremony has been held every year. Starting from the 1st day of the waxing moon to the 9th day of the waxing moon of the 9th month (according to the Chinese calendar), a total of 9 days and 9 nights, every year. Until today
Phuket Vegetarian Festival or Jea Chai. very famous In terms of being a tradition that has been continued for a long time. Phuket Vegetarian Festival is held only once a year. For people who have never had the opportunity to watch the mediums for the gods. It’s called having to come and get it.
Various important Ritual At the Phuket Vegetarian Festival That will be done the same for every shrine within the province.
1. Ritual for calling the Koteng pillar
Ceremony for calling the Koteng pillar It is an invitation to the Emperor of Hong Kong. and Prince Kiw Tai came to preside over the ceremony, It is held on the first day of the Vegetarian Festival. It is considered a sign that represents the beginning of Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival.
2. Bladed-ladder climbing (To Tui Ritual)
Bladed-ladder climbing (To Tui Ceremony) At the top of the stairs there is a flag and the mediums for the gods must climb a particularly steep staircase, each staircase It will be made from a very sharp knife. Not only that When you can climb up, you must climb down as well.
3. Fire-Walking Ritual
Fire-Walking Ritual, The mediums for the gods walking through fire. To purify the body Demonstrates the ability to control heat from fire.
4. The Street Procession (Aew Keng Ritual)
The Street Procession (Aew Keng Ceremony) is a ceremony in which royal mediums for the gods are paraded around Phuket Town. By using a knife The sword pierced his own body.
5. The ritual of crossing the bridge to exorcise misfortune (Koi Han)
The ceremony of crossing the bridge to exorcise misfortune (Koi Han) is a ceremony that will be held on the last day of the Yom Kippur Festival in Phuket Province. Crossing the bridge there will be a doll. For writing names Date of birth Under the bridge there are oil lamps. As a strategy to ward off bad things from those participating in the ceremony.
Highlights of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is The Street Procession (Aew Keng Ceremony) with a medium for the gods procession ceremony around the city or spirit medium participating in the procession which shows the power of being able to withstand pain In each method, whether it be using a knife or sword to stab the body. There was also the sound of firecrackers surrounding the procession. By showing the power to withstand pain. To show that it is accepting the pain of those who participated in the ceremony. and other humans for themselves.
Important shrines in Phuket Province
1. Jui Tui Shrine
Location : Soi Phuthon, Ranong Road, Mueang District, Phuket Province.
2. Kathu shrine
Location : Wichit Songkhram Road, Kathu Subdistrict, Kathu District, Phuket Province.
3. Bang Liao Shrine
Location : Phuket Road, Talat Yai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket Province.
4. Sui Boon Tong (LO RONG) Shrine
Location : Phatthana Soi 4 Road, Mueang District, Phuket Province.
Things you should know about the Phuket Vegetarian Festival.
*** Phuket Vegetarian Festival is on the first day of the ninth Chinese lunar month and lasts for 9 days.
*** The restaurants indicate that vegetarian food is for sale at their establishments by putting a yellow flag out with the word ‘เจ’ written on it in red.
Ritual Schedule
How to get from Bangkok to Phuket
