During the 2026 Phuket Vegetarian Festival, over 2,000 spirit mediums joined the Iu-Keng procession at Jui Tui Shrine, parading the deity around Phuket city. Devotees waited along both sides of the streets to receive blessings.
On 16 October 2026, the atmosphere of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, held annually from 10 to 18 October, was vibrant. This day marked the seventh day of the festival with the Iu-Keng ritual, a deity procession around the city organized by the historic Jui Tui Shrine, a longstanding landmark of Phuket. More than 2,000 male and female spirit mediums participated in the grand procession, surrounded by Thai and international tourists and locals who came to watch and receive blessings along the route.
The procession began moving from the shrine in the morning, heading towards Saphan Hin, then passing through various streets within Phuket City Municipality. It is considered one of the largest and longest deity parades during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival.
Within the procession, spirit mediums performed supernatural feats according to tradition and ritual, using sharp metal objects and various items such as model ships, military boats, umbrellas, and ceremonial heads to pierce parts of their bodies, especially their cheeks and tongues. Additionally, an oil bathing ceremony was held. Believers hold that the mediums absorb misfortunes on behalf of the festival participants to bring good fortune to themselves, their families, and the community.
Along the entire parade route, locals and tourists set up tables to receive the deity, lit firecrackers in welcome, and gathered to worship the deity densely, reflecting a faith passed down through generations. The Jui Tui Shrine procession involved many participants, including spirit mediums, caretakers, followers, and devotees who cooperated in conducting the Iu-Keng ceremony.
Also accompanying the procession was a film crew recording the movie "Spirit Mediums," capturing the atmosphere and unique rituals of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. The film aims to document the cultural heritage and beliefs handed down through generations.
On the next day, 17 October 2026, the eighth day of the festival, the Kathu Shrine will hold its own deity procession. As one of the oldest shrines and the origin of Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival, the parade will start from the shrine at 06:45. The public and tourists are invited to watch and receive blessings. They are advised to plan their travel in advance due to possible road closures and heavy traffic along the parade route.
