Por Tor Festival Phuket

The largest island in Thailand, the most populous and the most popular one- Phuket is a major watershed in the tourism industry of Thailand. And festivals and events in Phuket are more than you can even think of. In this cosmopolitan island there are festivals for every faith, every religion every race, and every kind of tourist for that matter. The Por Tor Festival in Phuket is a Chinese Festival celebrated in the month of July/August. Por Tor in Chinese means “Hungry Ghosts”.

An important merit-making event for ethnic Chinese, the Por Tor Festival is celebrated to worship and satiate the ghosts of the ancestors who they believe are released from hell for the month. Special food, flowers and candles are presented to the ancestors' altars. Colorful turtle shaped cakes are made and put on display. Since turtles symbolize longevity, making such offering is believed to bring long life to the worshippers.

The Por Tor Festival again holds testimony to the large number of Chinese population that have migrated and settled down at Phuket. During the festivities, the Chinese populace can be seen dressed in their best headed for their ancestors' altars with all the offerings. After the offerings are done they revert back home where a sumptuous spread of gala treat await them.