The Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2026 welcomes visitors again from October 10 to October 18, offering 9 days of the traditional ceremonies, street processions, vegetarian food market and the ceremonial show in Phuket Island in Thailand. The festival is also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival or Gin Jay, celebrating with religious activities and activities of purification among the Phuket Chinese-Thai community.
On October 9, the opening ceremony starts with the flagging of the Go Teng lantern pole which will be held at the various shrines. The major processions start on October 11 and fire-walking (and other religious ceremonies) are conducted at various shrines during the festival.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2026: Key Dates
Check the table tabulated below for the key dates for the Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2026.
| Dates | Event |
| October 9 | Start a lantern pole raising celebration. |
| October 10 | Celebrations and rituals of the shrines. |
| October 11 – 18 | Morning processions in the street following Parn, throughout the length of Phuket. |
| October 14 – 17 | Fire walking and other evening ceremonies. |
| October 18 | Last day of festival & celebrations. |
Daily Procession Schedule and Shrine Locations
The Street Procession or Yew Keng usually starts early in the morning. With the accompaniment of those who worship traditional music and firecrackers, the participants investigate the neighbourhoods.
| Date | Host Shrine | Approximate Start Time |
| October 11 | Jchoor Su Gong Naka Shrine | 7:30 AM |
| October 12 | Sapam Shrine | 7:20 AM |
| October 13 | Sam Kong (Lim Hu Tai Su) Shrine | 7:45 AM |
| October 14 | Baan Tha Rue Shrine | 6:09 AM |
| October 15 | Bang Neow Shrine | 6:00 AM |
| October 16 | Jui Tui Shrine | 8:00 AM |
| October 17 | Kathu Shrine | 6:45 AM |
| October 18 | Sui Boon Tong Shrine | 7:00 AM |
These timings are only approximate and if a neighbourhood processions are held also it may be on the same day.
Fire-Walking and Evening Rituals
One of the most recognisable events of the festival are the fire walking ceremonies. Participants engage in rituals that are thought to express their spiritual devotion and purification. There are also ceremonial crossing of bridges and climbing of the blades at some shrines.
- Jui Tui Shrine: October 14, approximately 8:00 PM.
- Bang Neow Shrine: October 15, evening ceremony.
- Sui Boon Tong Shrine: October 15, approximately 9:00 PM.
- Kathu Shrine: October 18, afternoon fire-walking ceremony.
The times might differ according to different days and people should check the notice boards at the shrine before coming.
Major Shrines to Visit
The major shrines to visit during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2026 include Jui Tui Shrine, Bang Neow Shrine, Kathu Shrine, and Sam Kong Shrine.
Jui Tui Shrine
Jui Tui shrine is one of the key meeting places of the festival, situated on the Ranong road in Phuket Town, hosts an interesting street procession.
Bang Neow Shrine
Located on Phuket Road, the Bang Neow shrine has religious ceremonies and is involved in the Old Town celebration.
Kathu Shrine
Kathu Shrine is located in the Kathu district and has a close connection with the history of the festival.
Sam Kong Shrine
Sam Kong Shrine is another shrine that draws devotees and tourists due to its walking event in the Sam Kong neighbourhood.
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Visitor Etiquette and Safety Tips
White clothes should be worn whenever visiting a shrine for ceremonies to please the spirits, and to respect local religious practices. The trash-talking followers of the Jay chain of dieting say “no” to meat, seafood, dairy, alcohol and pungent spices like onions and garlic during the festival.
Firecrackers might make a lot of noise so ear protection is advised. Have shoes to wear, stay away from the ritual performances, and do not touch the spirit medium during ritual. Actors are also reminded to ensure that they do not obstruct processions and abide by the police and local government directions.
FAQs
What is the date for Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2026?
The festival is from October 10 to October 18, though the lantern pole ceremony to celebrate the beginning of the festival will be held on October 9.
At what time do the main street processions start?
The first large processions are to be on 11th October, continuing with more processions until 18th October.
Where can visitors watch fire-walking?
Some ceremonies are conducted at certain shrines, such as Jui Tui, Bang Neow, Sui Boon Tong and Kathu.
