The annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival will take place from the 1st to the 9th of October. Without a doubt Phuket’s most famous festival, the Vegetarian Festival is truly a spectacular sight to behold. If you are staying with us during the first week in October, we highly recommend you to make the effort to head into Phuket Town to watch the wide variety of events. However, before doing so it is important that you are aware of the Rules of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival and its various ceremonies.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival Rules
There are ten important rules to follow when observing or participating in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, and they are as follows:
- Cleanliness of the body
- Clean kitchen utensils, kept away from others not participating or joining the festival
- Dress in white throughout the duration of the festival
- Behave physically and mentally
- Refrain from sex and/or sexually active behavior
- No meat to eaten or meat products to be consumed
- Do not consume alcohol
- People in mourning should not attend or participate in the festival
- Do not watch any of the rituals if you are pregnant
- Do not attend if you are menstruating
Although these rules might seem like a bit much to one wishing to observe the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, they are sacred and important to those participating in the festival. Please do be polite and adhere to the rules. If you are not participating in the festival and wish to observe one of the parades or processions, it is not necessary to wear white clothing. However, if you plan to attend any of the evening rituals or visit a Chinese shrine during this period, please follow the rules and wear white. As a side note, white clothing can be easily found in local markets and shopping centers during this time.
Getting there
If you are interested in attending the Phuket Vegetarian Festival during your stay at Santosa Detox and Wellness Center, feel free to speak to our knowledgeable guest relations staff. They can provide key information about the Phuket Vegetarian Festival as well as help arrange transport. Our guest relations staff is also keen to offer advice on any other local hotspots and events happening around Phuket during your stay.