Phuket:The annual Vegetarian Festival in Phuket has commenced with the traditional "Koteng" pole-raising ceremony at Jui Tui Shrine, marking the start of the festivities that are expected to significantly impact the local economy.

According to Thai News Agency, the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Phuket Office estimates that the festival, running from October 10-18, will generate approximately 1.3 billion baht in revenue. The event draws both Thai and international visitors, contributing to the influx of around 140,000 tourists, including many from Malaysia and Singapore.

Participants in the festival, a tradition preserved for nearly 200 years, gathered at the Jui Tui Tao Bo Keng Shrine to witness the raising of the Ko Teng pole and the hoisting of nine lanterns, which signify the beginning of the nine-day event. During this period, locals adhere to a vegetarian diet, and the lanterns remain lit as a symbol of blessings and good fortune from the deities.

Phuket is home to 41 shrines, or "Aam," where various rituals are performed throughout the festival. These include processions of deities, prayer ceremonies, and rituals such as fire-walking and climbing a ladder of knives. The event also features mediums who, through self-harm, are believed to take on the suffering for those observing the festival, as a demonstration of compassion.

Ms. Siriwan Seeharach, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket Office, highlighted the economic benefits expected from the festival, with hotel bookings projected to reach 70%. The festivities are anticipated to draw significant numbers of both domestic and international tourists to the region.