rooster59 Posted October 1, 2016 Share Posted October 1, 2016 Phuket Vegetarian Festival begins with pole raising ritual Eakkapop Thongtub PHUKET: The Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2016 began yesterday (Sep 30) with the raising of Lantern Poles at Chinese shrines, or San Jao, around the island to invite Nine Emperor Gods to the festival. At 5pm over a thousand devotees, residents, and tourists dressed in white gathered at Jui Tui Shrine on Ranong Rd in Phuket town to participate in the raising of the Lantern Pole after it had been affixed with gold leaves. Phuket’s new Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan, who arrived on the island at noon, presided over the lantern-pole raising ritual at Jui Tui Shrine where Mah Song (spirit mediums) mortified their flesh with axes, maces, and a variety of artifacts inserted through cuts in their cheeks or hung by hooks from the chests or backs. Over the coming nine days the island will see scores of parades where a huge amount of firecrackers will be lit to welcome the Gods. Highlights of what is undoubtedly Phuket’s most unique festival include fire-walking, climbing on bladed ladders, and bizarre acts of disfigurement such as the piercing of faces and bodies with sharp objects. Full story: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-vegetarian-festival-begins-with-pole-raising-ritual-59313.php#065RbyUyUikYpVHx.97 -- © Copyright Phuket News 2016-10-01 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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