PHUKET, Thailand – The annual Vegetarian Festival kicked off with a surge in attendance as thousands of people dressed in white flocked to temples and shrines across Thailand on its first day.
In Phuket, the festival’s epicenter, the atmosphere was vibrant as locals and tourists alike sought blessings from deities. The ceremonial raising of the ko teng pole, marking the official start of the nine-day vegetarian observance, took place at various temples on Wednesday evening.
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and his wife visited Bang Niao Shrine to pay their respect. The shrine was packed with devotees seeking blessings for themselves and their families.
“Tourism this year has been very strong,” said Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket office. “With the Vegetarian Festival, we expect to see around 450,000 visitors over the nine days from Oct 3-11, and hotel occupancy is averaging 78%.” (TNA)
