Facing their fears! Swords, axes and umbrella handles are pushed through devotees' CHEEKS at Thai vegetarian festival

Nine-day celebration held in Phuket, Thailand, honours the 'Nine Emperor Gods'

Those involved shun all animal products while they offer bodies to deities

Swords, axes and umbrella handles were yesterday pushed through the cheeks of Taoist devotees in a series of unusual piercings as part of Thailand's Vegetarian Festival which returned from a two-year pandemic hiatus.

The nine-day Vegetarian Festival celebration, which takes place every year, honours the 'Nine Emperor Gods'.

Those involved shun all animal products while they offer their bodies to deities who they believe will banish bad luck.

Graphic images show the piercings being done at the event in Phuket, which previously drew thousands of visitors to the tourist island hoping for blessings and good fortune.

People volunteering to be pierced are known as 'mediums' and believe that they have a personal connection with one of the gods.

They have to apply in advance and are carefully considered before they are granted the honour.

Mediums yesterday prepared themselves at a local temple as drums beat, bells rang and incense burned to begin the day's festivities at sunrise.

Devotees emerged from the Jor Soo Gong Naka shrine and nurses then closely monitored things as the sharpened objects, chosen by the mediums, were guided through their skin.

When the piercing was done, the mediums were guided by supporters five kilometres (three miles) to a park by the sea. In this procession, some devotees appear in a trance and their eyes roll as they tremble, wave and dance, dispensing blessings to a crowd of hundreds.

(Pictured: A man walks at the Sapam shrine with piercings on his tongue)

(Pictured: A woman participates in the annual vegetarian festival)

(Pictured: The procession in Phuket)

(Pictured: A devotee of the Kuan Tae Kun shrine with paper umbrellas pierced through his cheeks takes part in a procession during the annual Vegetarian Festival)

(Pictured: A medium walks in the procession)

(Pictured: A woman with a piercing on her cheek participates in the annual vegetarian festival in Thailand)

(Pictured: A woman gets pierced at the annual vegetarian festival in Phuket, Thailand)

(A man with piercings on his cheek and mouth participates in the annual vegetarian festival, pictured)

(Pictured: The procession)

Ref: Facing their fears! Swords, axes and umbrella handles are pushed through devotees' CHEEKS at Thai vegetarian festival (dailymail)

Photo Credit: REUTERS , Geety image