More Than 2,000 Spirit Mediums Join Jui Tui Shrine Procession in Phuket

More than 2,000 spirit mediums took part in a major procession organised by Jui Tui Tao Bo Keng Shrine on October 16, the seventh day of Phuket’s annual Vegetarian Festival. The event was among the largest and longest processions of this year’s celebrations.

The parade began early in the morning at the shrine, locally known as an aum, and continued through Phuket Town towards Hin Bridge. Jui Tui Tao Bo Keng is one of the island’s oldest Chinese shrines and plays a prominent role in the festival’s religious traditions.

Participants carried out a range of ceremonial practices rooted in longstanding beliefs. These included rituals involving sharp skewers and swords, model sailing ships, ceremonial umbrellas and elaborate mythical headdresses. Many also took part in the oil-bathing ritual, which is believed to absorb misfortune on behalf of people observing the festival’s vegetarian precepts.

Large crowds of Thai and international visitors, along with local residents, gathered along the route to watch the procession. Residents set up offering tables to welcome the deities, while firecrackers were set off as part of the celebrations. The strong public turnout highlighted the continuing importance of the festival to Phuket’s cultural and religious life.