The procession, which began early this morning, saw devotees and spirit mediums from the Samkong Shrine walk through Phuket Town to bless residents and local businesses. Altars were set up in front of homes and offices to receive the shrine’s sacred palanquins, while many Thai and foreign tourists lined the streets to witness the centuries-old ritual.
As part of the ceremony, devotees observed a ceremony at the tip of Saphan Hin Cape, symbolising blessings spreading across the community. Spirit mediums, both male and female, performed acts of self-mortification by piercing their cheeks and bodies with sharp objects and weapons, believed to absorb misfortune and suffering on behalf of others.
The procession was led by flags and banners, followed by the small palanquin, and then the large palanquin (‘Tu Lian’), which carried the seat of the main deity, Qiu Ong Tai Te.
The route wound through the main roads of Phuket Town before returning to the shrine, with continuous firecrackers and offerings marking the deity’s passage.
Tomorrow (Oct 25), the ‘Iw Keng’ procession will continue with the Tha Ruea Shrine, beginning at 7:30am, as part of the island-wide celebrations that will continue until next week.