Hungry Ghost Festival 2024 in Thailand

Traditionally lucky color of red is placed everywhere, and little sweet cakes in the shape of turtles are offered as gifts and souvenirs everywhere. The main goal of the festival is to feed the ghosts of ancestors that come to earth on this particular day. The Hungry Ghost Festival is an opportunity for Thais to honor their ancestors through a variety of ceremonies and traditions.

It is believed that the gates of hell open during this time, allowing hungry ghosts to enter our world to taste the food prepared by their relatives. It is also an opportunity to help those spirits stuck in purgatory who have not been given a proper funeral ceremony.

Lots of religious festive activities are performed, as well as for more than seven days the festival is celebrated by fresh markets and parades. People are really into family ties and, therefore the holiday is about paying respects to all the ancestors which keeps them happy.

Hungry Ghost Festival Dates

Typically taking place in August or September, the Por Tor Hungry Ghost Festival starts on the first day of the waxing moon in the seventh lunar month of the Chinese calendar.

Location

The celebrations take place in all Chinese shrines around the Phuket Island.