More than 500 spirit mediums join Phuket Town Vegetarian Festival procession

More than 500 male spirit mediums took part in Bang Neow Shrine’s deity procession through Phuket Town on 15 October, the sixth day of Phuket’s 201st Vegetarian Festival.

The procession left Bang Neow Tao Bo Keng Shrine in Mueang Phuket at about 6am, travelling first to Saphan Hin for a ritual involving incense smoke and the essence of sacred candles. It then passed through Phuket Town before returning to the shrine after more than three hours.

Thousands of residents and tourists gathered along the route, while residents and business owners placed altars outside their homes and shops to welcome the deities. Firecrackers were set off at the Chartered Bank Intersection as the procession passed.

Ceremonial flags and banners led the procession, followed by smaller palanquins known as “chai pia” and larger ornate palanquins called “tua lian”, carrying representations of the Nine Emperor Gods, or “Kiu Ong Tai Te”.

The main attraction was the participation of more than 500 “ma song”, or spirit mediums, who pierced their bodies with sharp objects and weapons as part of the traditional rites. Devotees understand the ritualised suffering as a way for the mediums to take on misfortune on behalf of the public. The procession is intended to bring blessings and good fortune to the faithful.

Known as the “Iew Keng”, the deity procession is a central event of the Vegetarian Festival, during which the Nine Emperor Gods are brought out to visit the public. Devotees traditionally stand before household or business altars as the procession passes.

Bang Neow Shrine, also known as Tao Bu Keng or the Thep Rasi Foundation, dates back to 1904 and maintains an all-male group of spirit mediums for festival rituals.

The next major procession is scheduled for 16 October. Jui Tui Tao Bo Keng Shrine is expected to send more than 2,000 spirit mediums through Phuket Town, departing at 7am.