Por Tor Festival

The Por Tor Festival in Phuket, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, is an ethnic Chinese festival that takes place in August – September each year. The Por Tor festival is based on the belief that the spirit gates are opened in the 7th lunar month, allowing ghosts trapped there to return to earth, where they receive special offerings of food, flowers and candles from their relatives.

The first day of the festival begins in the home, where an extensive feast is prepared and laid out along with dishes of rice for both the living and the dead. Sticks of incense are lit for each serving of rice and then the living household retreat to another space. When the incense is fully burnt down it signals that the ghosts have finished their meal and the living are allowed to start.

Outside the family home the main centre for the festival is  Seng Tek Bel Shrine (also known as Por Tor Kong Shrine) on Phuket Road, as it hosts the festival for all seven days and seven nights (many shrines only celebrate 2 days). Ranong Road fresh market also celebrates energetically with colourful, elaborate decorations, lion dances, magic shows and much more.

Another main symbol of the festival can be bought at one of the many food stalls that appear over the island during the festival. The ‘red turtle cake’ (or ang ku) is made from flour and sugar and symbolises fortune, longevity and good luck. Offering a red turtle is considered essential to the festival.

Another must – see celebration in !

Image: thephuketnews