The Sui Boon Tong Shrine specifically worships a sacred statue of the former Buddhist supreme patriarchal monk ’Ching Sui Zu Shi’. Honouring ’Ching Sui Zu Shi’ is to gain protection from bad omens and repels negative energies, together bringing devotees an ‘ensured level of protection’.
The mah song, which included women and at least one child, mostly were adorned with the traditional face piercings of blessed skewers.
Altars of offerings were made available along the route, with mah song stopping by to bestow blessings.
The only other shrine to hold its street processions this morning was the Bang Khu Shrine in Koh Kaew, which began at 8am.
All participating shrines will hold ‘bridge crossing’ self-purification ceremonies this evening. Kathu Shrine, where the Phuket Vegetarian Festival began 198 years ago, will hold the last fire-walking ceremony of the festival at 3pm. (See list of shrines here.)
All major shrines will hold street processions through the heart of Phuket Town tonight as their devotees make their way to Saphan HIn for the bonfire ritual to send the Nine Emperor Gods back to the heavens at midnight.
Police have already cautioned motorists of traffic disruptions in Phuket Town while the street processions take place.
While tonight marks the official end of this year’s Vegetarian Festival, with devotees allowed to eat non- vegetarian fare after midnight, a final ceremony will be held at all participating shrines at sunset tomorrow as the traditional Go Teng poles are lowered.