Phuket shrines receive B557,420 in supplies before 2026 Vegetarian Festival

The Kusoldharm Foundation has distributed B557,420 worth of food and other supplies to 47 Chinese shrines ahead of Phuket’s 2026 Vegetarian Festival, which runs from Oct 10-18.

The supplies were presented at the foundation’s headquarters in Phuket Town on Oct 7, with Phuket Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom presiding. The support covers 41 shrines in Phuket and six in Phang Nga.

The distribution included 330 sacks of rice, 235 tins of vegetable oil, 1,410 packs of drinking water, 282 gallons of light soy sauce and 40 cartons of seasoning sauce. Sponsors also provided an additional 2,000kg of rice, bringing the total value to B557,420.

The supplies will help the shrines prepare meals and conduct activities during the festival’s official nine days. The Kata Group separately donated B5,000 to each of the 47 shrines, totalling B235,000, and provided 100 cartons of Wai Wai rice vermicelli for distribution through the Phuket Shrine Association.

Governor Chotinarin said the festival remained an important Phuket tradition reflecting the faith, way of life and unity of the island’s communities. He said he expected the event to attract local residents as well as Thai and international visitors, and called on media organisations to promote its processions and religious ceremonies.

The main Iw Keng street processions will take place from Oct 11-18, with the Nine Emperor Gods carried through Phuket City as devotees participate in ceremonies and prepare offerings outside their homes. More than 40 shrines are expected to join the Ham Si Iw Keng night procession on Oct 11.

Other major rituals include the Koi Han bridge-crossing ceremony and the Koi Hoi fire-walking ritual. The festival will conclude on Oct 18 with farewell ceremonies for the Jade Emperor and the Nine Emperor Gods. The Jade Emperor is traditionally sent back to heaven at about 10:30pm, followed by a farewell procession towards Saphan Hin along routes including Thalang Road, Phuket Road and Surin Circle.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket office will set up a ceremonial reception table outside its office on Oct 16 from 6am to noon as the Iw Keng procession from Jui Tui Shrine passes through the area.

The festival, locally known as Jia Chai, follows the Chinese lunar calendar and centres on rituals passed down through Phuket’s Hokkien Chinese community. The Department of Cultural Promotion listed the Phuket Vegetarian Festival as intangible cultural heritage in 2018.