young boy at the phuket vegetarian festival, phuket , thailand
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event held during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bring good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. Devotees (Mah Songs or spirit mediums) perform rituals such as piercing themselves with sharp implements and walking on hot coals and nails,, seemingly without feeling pain,performing unbelievable and often quite gruesome feats. This self-torture is a gory spectacle, proving their power to feel no pain, as they purify their bodies and welcome in the warrior spirits, who accompany Chinese Emperor Gods, and devotees believe that these drive off devils, blamed for all manner of evils. The devotees are also known as 'the soldiers of the god,'
Size: 3793px × 5256px
Location: phuket vegetarian festival, phuket town , phuket , thailand
Photo credit: © paul christoforou / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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