Naka Shrine opens Phuket Vegetarian Festival processions

The Jo Su Kong Naka Shrine held an Iew Keng deity procession through Phuket on Sunday, 11 October 2026, the second day of the island’s Vegetarian Festival.

The procession, organised by the Hun Jong Aam Jo Su Kong Naka Tao Bo Keng shrine in Wichit, carried deities to Saphan Hin. Participants performed a ritual to gather sacred incense smoke before returning to Phuket Town.

Male and female spirit mediums took part in traditional acts including piercing their cheeks and bodies with weapons and other sharp objects. According to local beliefs, the rituals represent taking on misfortune and suffering on behalf of people observing the festival.

The procession travelled from the shrine along Chao Fa West Road towards Wat Naka, then turned onto Wirat Hong Yok Road before continuing to the Saphan Hin intersection and along Phuket Road to the tip of Saphan Hin. Crowds gathered along the route, with some families setting up tables outside their homes to offer prayers. Thai and international tourists also watched the procession.

The Iew Keng procession is regarded by Phuket residents as a divine journey through the community to bestow blessings on people and other living beings. It traditionally includes flags, name banners, Tai Pia palanquins carrying deity images and Niu Siu Chinese ceremonial umbrellas. A larger palanquin, known as Tua Lian, carries the deity Kiu Ong Tai Te.

The Phuket Shrine Association is scheduled to hold the Mae Si Iew Keng night procession from 8pm on Sunday, starting at Saphan Hin and travelling through Phuket Town. Contingents from 40 shrines across Phuket are due to take part, with firecrackers expected along the route.

The Guan Te Kun Shrine in Koh Kaew is scheduled to hold its own Iew Keng procession through to Phuket Town on Monday, 12 October.