The legend behind Phuket Vegetarian Festival

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is held in the ninth lunar month of every year for nine days. During this time the participants eat no meat, wear white clothing, and focus on the cleanliness of their mind and body. The ceremonies sometimes include gruelling activities such as walking over hot coals or puncturing their own cheeks with items such as knives and skewers.

This festival has its roots back in 1825 when a group of travelling Chinese entertainers became ill and in an effort to heal themselves, took up a vegetarian diet and prayed to their emperor gods. When the local people saw them getting better they attributed it to the diet and the religious ceremonies. So, to ensure good health and fortune for themselves they then began to celebrate the festival each year.

Famed for its picturesque views and natural beauty, Phuket boasts some of the most stunning locations to watch sunsets from and prides itself in its forests, waterfalls and a jungle to explore.