DUBAI: There's no better time to be a vegetarian and head to Thailand than the end of September, when Phuket plays host to a massive vegetarian festival. Phuket-bound travelers will be able to experience the festivities surrounding the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival, which will take place this year between September 27 and October 5, during which time local residents of Chinese ancestry will be adopting vegetarian or vegan diets in order to cleanse their spirits. Dating back to 1825, the custom sees participants adhering to strict moral codes by refraining from “vice, keeping themselves clean, dressing in white and maintaining a sense of physical and mental restraint.” In addition to this code of abstinence, the festival is marked by street processions near to Chinese shrines and temples, with fireworks and loud drums used to drive away evil spirits. Visitors will also be able to see extreme physical feats performed by the Ma Song, a name given to entranced devotees who are said to become vessels of the gods during the ceremonies. They will demonstrate this by performing acts such as walking on hot coals, bathing in boiling oil or climbing ladders with bladed rungs. A great vegan travel time. BM
