| The Por Tor or Hungry Ghost Festival of Phuket is | | | | travellers an inside look at the deep religious and |
| an ancient religious ceremony originating from a | | | | cultural history of the famous island. |
| Chinese tradition. In the seventh month of the lunar | | | | The celebrations are centred around the Por Tor |
| calendar, it is believed that the spirits of the | | | | Kong Shrine in Bang Neaw, located centrally in Phuket |
| ancestors descend to revisit their earthly homes. | | | | Town. It takes place for about two weeks in August. |
| Spirits are usually feared in Thai culture, but the Por | | | | It is believed that Por Tor Kong (the god of devils, |
| Tor Festival of Phuket is a happy, auspicious occasion. | | | | who rules the underground) opens the gates of the |
| Food and cakes are offered to placate the hungry | | | | spirit world to allow the Spirits to return to the earth |
| spirits, which earns merit and good fortune for the | | | | during these two weeks. The shrine itself is |
| worshippers. The festival is a colourful testament to | | | | colourfully and intricately decorated in the style of |
| the Chinese presence in Thailand and the intertwining | | | | Chinese temples, and is worth a visit. |
| of the two cultures. This unique occasion offers | | | | |