At 6:30am, one procession commenced from Jeng Ong Shrine, located off Yaowarat Rd near Vachira Phuket Hospital.
Participants moved along several key roads, including Thepkrasattri and Phang Nga Rd, before making their way to Saphan Hin, where a sacred incense and candle ritual was held.
Simultaneously, another street procession was held by Tha Ruea Shrine, beginning on Thepkrasattri Rd. The procession followed a similar route through Phuket Town before concluding with a ceremony at Saphan Hin.
Afterward, the participants returned to their respective shrines by car.
The processions featured male and female spirit mediums wielding weapons such as swords and iron spikes, which they used to pierce their cheeks and bodies, symbolically taking on misfortune to protect those attending the festival.
The dramatic rituals captivated both locals and tourists lining the streets. Many residents along the route set up tables to offer food and offerings to the monks and spirit mediums as they passed by.
Other shrines to hold street processions across the island today included Bangjo Shrine, Sapam Shrine, Tai Seng Oud Jor Shrine, Tae Gun Tai Tae Shrine, Hok Ong Tong Shrine.
More street processions will be held later today by the Seng Leng Tong in Mai Khao (3pm), Lee Sian Tong Shrine in Thalang (5pm) and the Thung Thong Shrine in Kathu (7:45pm)
Devotees performing the fire walking ritual begin today at the Tai Houd Ting Shrine in Bang Tao (8pm), Bang Koo Shrine (8:45pm) and the Sam Siang Tong Shrine in Chalong (8pm).
The street processions continue tomorrow, with the Bang Liao Shrine (6am), Cherng Talay Shrine (7:30am) shrines to hold their parades.
The fire walking rituals will continue as follows:
- Thung Thong Shrine, 7:45pm
- Jui Tui Shrine, 8:00pm
- Baan Tha Rue Shrine, 8:00pm
- Jong Nghi Tong Shrine, 8:00pm
- Jeng Ong Shrine, 8:00pm
- Yok Kae Geng Shrine, 8:45pm
- Ngore Choon Gend Baanya Shrine, 8:45pm
- Sapam Shrine, 8:45pm
- Sui Boon Tong Shrine, 9:00pm
- Guan Yu Shrine (Baan Nabon), 9:00pm
- Guan Tae Gun Baan Pon Shrine, 9:00pm
- Hean Lhee Thong Shrine, 9:00pm
- Hai Yian Geng Shrine, 9:30pm
For the full ‘Official schedule for the Phuket Vegetarian Festival’, click here.