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Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2008
Author: i-pokz20 Sep
Date: 28 September - 07 October 2008
Phuket’s Vegetarian festival (or jia chai in local Hokkien Chinese dialect) began in 1825, when the govenor of Thalang, Praya Jerm, moved the island’s principal town from Ta Reua in Thalang District to Get-Hoe in Kathu District, where were tin mines and Chinese miners. Kathu was then still covered by jungle and fever was rife. It happened that a traveling opera company (called ngiu in Thai or pua-hee in Hokkien dialect) came from China to perform for the miners
When the whole company grew sick from an unnamed malady, they kept to a vegetarian diet to honor two of the emperor gods, Kiew Ong Tai Teh and Yok Ong Sone Teh. The sickness afflicting the opera troupe then disappeared. This greatly interested the people of Kathu, who asked how it was done. The answer came that ritual vegetarianism with its attendant ceremonies had been the cause, with the result that people embraced the faith enthusiastically. Thus the festival began:starting the first evening of the ninth lunar month, it continued until the ninth evening; the aim was to bring good luck to individuals as well as to the community.
Aside from this, there are other ceremonies throughout the fest, notably: invocation of the gods Lam Tao, who keeps track of the living, and Pak Tao, who keeps track of the dead; processions of the gods’ images; and feats of the Ma Song-like bathing in hot oil, bladed ladder climbing and fire-walking. The festival ends with merit making ceremonies at each temple (sadoh kroh) and the send-off of the gods on the last night (when fireworks are at their most impressive).
Ma Song, or entranced horses, are devotees whom the gods enter during the fest. They manifest supernatural powers and perform self-tortures in order to shift evil from individuals onto themselves, and to bring the community good luck. Ma Song fall into two categories: those who, having had an intimation of impending doom, want to extend their lives; and people specially chosen by the gods for their moral qualities.
Throughout the festival fireworks and drums are sounded, especially during ceremonies. It is held that the louder they are the better, because the noise drives away evil spirits.
Participants in the fest keep to a strict vegetarian diet for a varying number of days, usually no less than three. This they do to make themselves strong in mind and body; they refrain from all vice, eating animal flesh, and killing animals. The festival thus promotes good hygiene, brightness and inner peace.
Por Tor Festival 2008
Author: i-pokz5 Aug
15 - 30 Aug 2008 (annual)
Ancient Chinese tradition states that the gates of Hades burst open to unleash restless spirits, or “Hungry Ghosts”, during the seventh Chinese month (ninth in Thailand). Phuket, with its large ethnic Chinese population, celebrates with the Por Tor Festival.
A hungry spirit can soon be a malicious one, so relatives pay their respects and appease them with gifts of food. The most popular offerings are turtle cakes. The turtle symbolises longevity and by giving these cakes the worshippers believe they will prolong their own lives.
This is also a time to pay homage to the god of the devils, known to the Chinese as Por Tor Kong. The god has a special shrine on Phuket (near the Bang Neaw School) where a stage is erected for likay (a Thai folk performance) and outdoor movies.
Phuket Gay Festival 2008
Author: i-pokz5 Aug
Once a community project, now an annual event, the is becoming a widely anticipated attraction for Patong’s visitors and residents. Beach activities, a colourful parade, street parties, lots of outrageous costumes and stage shows.
6-9 August 2008: Patong Beach and Paradise Complex, Patong
Multi-National Line-Up at the Phuket Cricket Sixes 2008
Author: i-pokz24 Jul
Twenty-three teams from ten countries, including local sides from Phuket, will compete for the Cup, Plate, Bowl and Spoon titles at the 2008 Phuket International Cricket Sixes being played next to the beach at Karon Stadium, Phuket, Thailand from 17–20 April 2008.
This is the fifth staging of this popular International Cricket Council award-winning tournament which helped to kick start the development of cricket in Phuket.
“It’s fantastic to see such a multi-national line-up of of sides, including New Zealand and Bahrain for the first time,” said Tournament Director Mr Brad Tarr.
Teams will be flying in from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Australia, Pakistan, Indonesia, India, Bahrain, UAE and New Zealand to compete along with local Thai teams.
Also confirmed for the Phuket Sixes are the former England pace bowler Alan Mullally who will take to the turf along with the former Australian international and Phuket regular, Trevor Chappell.
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Six Senses Phuket Raceweek 2008
Author: i-pokz24 Jun
July 23rd to 27th 2008: Chalong Bay
Four days of racing, no lay day. Five nights of parties.
The regatta HQ — registration, results, prizegivings and all regatta administration — will be operated from the lower sea view terrace (Into The Beach) of Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa, adjacent to the jetty, which will also be the venue for the post-race Regatta Tavern and four of the five official regatta parties.
All race starts will take place at 10:00 hrs off the Evason Phuket Resort. There will be shuttle boats from the Evason for boats anchored in Ao Chalong, although past experience demonstrated that there is ample available anchorage right off the regatta venue.
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