What is the ritual that is performed at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival?

• Cleanliness of the body during the festival
  
• Clean kitchen utensils not to be used by others who do not participate in the festival
  
• Wear white during the festival
  
• Behave physically and mentally
  
• Avoid eating meat
  
• Avoid sex
  
• Avoid alcohol
  
• People in mourning should not participate
  
• Pregnant women and menstruating women should not attend ceremonies

One of the most exciting aspects of the festival is the various, (and sometimes gruesome) ceremonies which are held to invoke the gods. Firewalking, body piercing and other acts of self mortification undertaken by participants acting as mediums of the gods, have become more spectacular and daring as each year goes by. Men and women puncture their cheeks with various items including knives, skewers and other household items. It is believed that the Chinese gods will protect such persons from harm, and little blood or scarring results from such mutilation acts. This is definitely not recommended for the feint hearted to witness.

http://www.phuket.com/festival/vegetarian.htm

First answer by CMSousa. Last edit by CMSousa. Contributor trust: 9 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question]