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Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2025
Street Photography Workshop

Physical Workshops

26 - 29 Oct 2025 (10 participants max)

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INTRODUCTION

What is the Phuket Vegetarian Festival

It is a nine-day celebration of Chinese culture and vegetarianism that has been celebrated for over 200 years. During this time, locals take part in parades, street processions, temple ceremonies, and food offerings to honor their ancestors.

The festival begins with a parade from each participating temple around the city center. The streets are lined with colorful decorations and flags as people walk through carrying statues of gods or goddesses while chanting prayers and playing music. This procession symbolizes the purification of the body and soul before entering into a period of abstinence from meat consumption during the festival days.

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During these nine days, there are various activities such as traditional dances, theatrical performances, martial arts demonstrations, firewalking rituals, and more to celebrate Chinese culture.

 

These events usually take place at temples throughout Phuket but some may also be seen in public areas like beaches or parks depending on where they are being held that year.

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Food offerings play an important role during this time too as it’s believed that offering vegetarian dishes will bring good luck to those who partake in them. There are many different types of dishes available ranging from stir fries to curries all made without any animal products whatsoever – even fish sauce. Many restaurants across Phuket offer special menus for vegetarians during this period so it’s easy to find something delicious no matter what your dietary preferences may be.

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What to expect during the workshop

If you are a photographer passionate about witnessing unique cultures around the world, join our photography workshop during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival.

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This workshop is designed to provide you with the opportunity to explore the multiple facets of this incredible festival, while being mentored by 2 photographers who have extensive experience covering and documenting a wide range of festivals through their unique eyes.

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From witnessing interesting ceremonies to documenting the faith of the devotees, we will provide you with the right environment for you to experience and capture the spirit and essence of this timeless tradition and go back home with wonderful memories and stunning photographs.

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This workshop is open to enthusiasts of all levels. Join a group of like-minded photographers to witness a life-changing experience. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be part of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival workshop in October 2025.

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Warning:

The rituals in this festival are not for the faint of heart: One of the most unique aspects of it are the Ma Song, spirit medium believed to be possessed by gods. They perform intense acts of self-mortification like walking on hot coals, climbing bladed ladders, or piercing their cheeks with, well, everything from swords to umbrellas. It's not just for shock value—these acts are done to absorb evil and bring good luck to others. However, they can be very difficult to observe. So, if this is not something that you can stomach easily, please reconsider your participation.

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 WHAT YOU WILL TAKE BACK     

  • You will learn how to capture the magic of authentic traditions.

  • You will learn how to approach a complex scene and create compelling images out of it.

  • You will learn how to take pictures with and without flash.

  • You will connect with a group of like-minded people who share the same passion as you.

  • You will take back memories of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

  • You get to learn from both Suresh Naganathan and Sreeranj Sreedhar on their experience and approach covering such festivals.


THINGS TO BRING

  1. A good pair of shoes.

  2. Camera with preferably a small lens and extra batteries.

  3. An umbrella and rain cover in case we face rain

  4. White clothes during the festival: White is the traditional color that everyone wears to honor the Gods

  5. Earplugs and face mask: Firecrackers go off constantly during the festival.

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PLANNING

  • Day 0 (date will be shared with the workshop participants) - 3h:
    A few days before the workshop (date to be confirmed), we will host a theoretical session on the festival and how to approach it. This session will take place online (via GMeet) and will last 3 hours.

  • 26 Oct 2025

    • Arrival at Phuket City.​

    • Meet-and-greet at the hotel.

    • For those who want, stroll in the city to soak in the atmosphere.

  • 27 Oct 2025 - 29 Oct 2025 

    • Document the different rituals of the festival

      • Trance​

      • Piercing

      • Processions

      • Fire walk

    • Activities take place through the day from morning until late in the night.​

  • ​29 or 30 Oct 2025 (up to the participant)

    • Departure from Phuket​

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NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

The workshop is limited to 10 people on a first come first serve basis.

This ensures that the mentors will be able to spend time with each student individually and provide adequate feedback during the walks.

The participant's seat will be confirmed as soon as the payment is made.

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PRICE

  • INR 26000 (Indian residents)​​

  • USD 500 (International participants)

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What's included?

  • Workshop Mentor charges
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What's excluded?

  • Travel to Phuket

  • Food

  • Accommodation

  • Any other private expenses

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PAYMENT

  • For local residents:

    • Google Pay: UPI ID: suresh.naganathan@okhdfcbank or 7736352625@pz

  • For international participants only:

    • Paypal: suresh.naganathan@gmail.com

    • Bank Transfer (International only):

      • Account Holder: SREERANJ SREEDHAR PHOTOGRAPHY

      • Account Number: 50200101265809


      • Swift Code : HDFCINBB, MMID : 9240580, IFSC Code : HDFC0001233


      • Bank : HDFC Bank, Guruvayoor, Kerala 680101, India.


      • Branch: GURUVAYOOR


      • Account Type: CURRENT

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CANCELLATION POLICY

  • Within 1 week from the payment day: 75% refund

  • Within 2 weeks from the payment day: 50% refund

  • More than 2 weeks after payment: no refund

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