Hungry Ghost Festival to begin

PHUKET: Phuket’s traditional Chinese Por Tor, also known as the annual Hungry Ghost Festival, is set to start on August 26.

It is believed that the spirits of ancestors visit their relatives for 15 days during the ninth month of the Chinese calendar. Believers will prepare food for the spirits in order to express their gratitude for their ancestors, said Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana.

Food is also prepared for those spirits who have no living relatives to visit.

“Believers in return will receive luck and good health,” Mayor Somjai added.

During the festival, various foods, including fruits and colorful desserts, will be prepared.

One of the most common dishes is the red turtle dessert called Ang Ku. Made from wheat flour and sugar, Ang Ku will be offered in many shapes and sizes.

“The color red represents good luck and the turtles are a symbol of longevity,” Ms Somjai said.

“It is a great event to promote and preserve local Phuket culture, especially for the new generation and for tourists. Everyone is invited to join.”

Parades will be held in honor of the Por Tor Festival on August 30 and September 1, starting at Queen Sirikit Park on Thalang Road.

The Red Turtle parade on August 30 will begin around noon and end at the fresh market on Ranong Road. The parade on September 1 will begin at 5pm and end at the Bang Neow Shrine on Phuket Road.

Ceremonies and activities will be held at several locations on the following days:

August 26: the Thaihua Museum on Krabi Rd
August 28: the Joor Shu Kong Shrine at Surin Circle
August 29: the Joor Oong at Talad Nue
August 30-31: the fresh market on Ranong Rd
September 1-12: the Seng Tek Bel Shrine (also called Por Tor Shrine), next to Bann Bang Neow School on Phuket Road
September 2: the Thaihua Museum on Krabi Rd
September 3: the Por Tor Ao Khaer Shrine on Takua Pa Rd

— Kongleaphy Keam