Phuket Concludes Annual Vegetarian Festival with Grand Send-off Ceremony
Phuket marked the end of its 2026 Vegetarian Festival on October 18 with traditional ceremonies and millions of firecrackers.
On the night of October 18, 2026, Phuket concluded its annual nine-day Vegetarian Festival, which ran from October 10 to 18. According to Khaosod Online, shrines across the province held the traditional 'Song Phra' ceremony to bid farewell to the deities, including the Nine Emperor Gods, as they returned to the heavens.
Thousands of residents and tourists gathered in Phuket Town to witness the processions as they moved toward Saphan Hin beach. The atmosphere was intense, characterized by the continuous sound of millions of firecrackers being set off by participants along the route, creating significant noise and smoke throughout the city. The ritual involved sending off the Jade Emperor (Yok Hong Song Tae) at the Go Teng pole around 10:00 PM, followed by the departure of the Nine Emperor Gods at the seaside.
For travelers and residents, this event represents the climax of one of Phuket’s most significant cultural traditions. The ceremony concludes when the shrine doors are closed and all lights are extinguished, signaling the end of the festival. While the main processions have finished, those in the area should note that local activities related to the festival's aftermath are expected to continue into October 19. Visitors should be aware that the heavy use of firecrackers creates loud environments and dense smoke, which may affect those sensitive to noise or air quality.
