Guan Yu Shrine to Hold Vegetarian Festival Procession in Chalong on October 17

The Guan Yu Nabon Shrine will hold another major street procession on the morning of October 17 as part of Phuket’s annual Vegetarian Festival. The iu keng procession, dedicated to the Chinese deity Guan Yu, will pass through Chalong and Wichit, with much of the route following Chao Fa East Road.

The procession is scheduled to begin at 6:45am. Unlike the October 13 parade, which passed through Kata and Karon, this event will remain within Chalong and Wichit.

The shrine has published a route map and invited residents to set up traditional offering tables along the streets for the visiting deities. The route is divided into three stages.

Three stages along Chao Fa East Road

Stage 1: From the shrine towards Wichit

The procession will leave Guan Yu Nabon Shrine and travel along Chao Fa East Road towards Wichit. Along the way, participants will pass PPAO Ban Nabon School, the intersection with Khwang Road and Si Mum Mueang Market. The turnaround point is planned at the traffic lights near the entrance to Phuket Villa 3 residential estate.

Stage 2: Return towards Chalong Circle

The procession will then head back towards Chalong Circle. As part of the traditional ceremony, the parade will circle the tower in the centre of the roundabout. Traffic at the junction is expected to be brought to a complete stop while this takes place.

Stage 3: Back to the shrine

From Chalong Circle, the procession will travel along Chao Fa East Road again, passing Soi Thanuteph and Wat Latthi Wanaram, also known as Wat Tai, before returning to Guan Yu Nabon Shrine.

As a result, the procession will pass along substantial sections of Chao Fa East Road twice. Motorists should prepare for possible significant delays, particularly near the intersections with Khwang Road and Soi Palai, as well as around Chalong Circle.

The shrine has not announced an expected finishing time.

What to prepare for the procession

Organizers have encouraged residents to arrange traditional offering tables along the route. According to the shrine’s guidance, the offerings should include:

• Five kinds of fruit

• Three kinds of sweets

• Nine cups of tea

• Nine incense sticks

• One pair of candle holders

• One pair of flower vases

• Firecrackers and Chinese incense

The procession is part of Phuket’s annual Vegetarian Festival, during which Chinese shrines across the island hold religious ceremonies and traditional street parades.