Phuket
Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors other than its natural heritage sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travelers to the city, while Phuket-style hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walk...
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Ethnic Chinese in Phuket believe that "Por Tor Kong" is a God of Devil. During the seventh lunar month in the Chinese calendar, it is believed to be the period when spirits are released. The gates are opened and spirits released to wander or revisit homes. This is the fresh market on Ranong road under the Office of Phuket City. Residents here held the "Por Tor" or "Hungry Ghost" festival to make merits and offerings to their ancestors. People spend a few days attending this festival. The significance of this event is that it's another occasion for local ethnic Chinese to pay gratitude to the deceased. During the festival, during the day and evening, the area is filled with people who bring food and nicely decorated fruits to make offerings to "Por Tor Kong" to pass on to those spirits. A must offering for the festival is red turtle shaped cake, large or small. They believe that turtles symbilize longevity. The auspicious red turtle shaped cake is believed to pass on the blessing to "Por Tor Kong" - God of Devil. Then God can bring fortune and success to worshippers.
The "Por Tor" festival not only illustrates people's strong belief, but it also reflects gratitude and unity of people in the community. It is similar to the Thai Buddhist "Sart" festival. "Por Tor" is a beautiful festival which has been passed on. It signifies unity and care by community members. The festival here is initiated by the local community and supported by the Office of Phuket City. The Phuket City's fresh market is not the only location to hold the festival, as it is organized in many communities in Phuket City.
This year, The "Por Tor" or "Hungry Ghost" festival will be held during August 26-27, 2010 at the fresh market under the Office of Phuket City on Ranong road. And during August 28, 2010 - September 7, 2010 at Por Tor Kong Shrine, Bang Niao. If you are looking forward to the local cultural festival in Phuket, I suggest you to join the festival.
Reference : "Story of Phuket - Por Tor festival" www.phuketprovincial.com
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