Phuket's Vegetarian Festival

Phuket celebrates the Vegetarian Festival annually. Devotees wear white and commit themselves to a vegetarian diet with the belief that it purifies them as abstinence is a test of one's self-discipline and penance. Over nine days, firecrackers are showered all over Phuket, especially during street processions, to celebrate the event and drive away evil spirits. While this festival dates all the way back to 1825, it is encouraging to see that the cultures and traditions are carried on from generation to generation. With such a strong support from the local community, it is safe to say the fire of the Vegetarian Festival is not going to be extinguished anytime soon.