Phuket-
The vibrant and deeply spiritual Phuket Vegetarian Festival entered its second day on Wednesday (Ocotber 22nd) with the commencement of the revered ‘Iew-Keng’ ritual, a sacred street procession led by the Naka Shrine in Wichit. This marks the first of several ceremonial parades in which deities are believed to travel through the city to bless devotees and absorb misfortune on their behalf.
Despite intermittent rainfall, crowds of worshippers and curious onlookers—both Thai and international—lined the streets to witness the dramatic spectacle. Devotees set up altars in front of homes and businesses to receive blessings as the procession passed, while tourists gathered to observe the unique cultural display.
The procession began at the Naka Shrine and followed a designated route through Phuket Town. Leading the parade were ceremonial flags and banners, followed by smaller palanquins (chai pia) and the grand palanquin (tua lian) carrying the revered deity Kiu Ong Tai Te. The deity’s journey through the city is believed to bring good fortune and spiritual cleansing to the community.
striking feature of the ritual involved male and female spirit mediums, known as “ma song,” who entered trance-like states and performed acts of self-mortification using sharp objects and weapons. These acts are seen as a form of spiritual sacrifice, allowing the mediums to absorb the suffering and bad luck of others.
The procession culminated at Saphan Hin, a symbolic location where incense and candle smoke rituals were performed to honor the deities and reinforce the spiritual connection between heaven and earth.
Tomorrow, October 23, the Sapam Shrine will hold its own ‘Iew-Keng’ procession, beginning at 7:30 a.m., continuing the cycle of blessings and spiritual devotion that defines this iconic festival.
Related articles:
