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Devotees of the Chinese shrine of Samkong pierce their cheeks with a variety of objects, including toy guns, during a procession of Vegetarian Festival in Phuket, Thailand.

Ritual Vegetarianism in Phuket Island traces it roots back to the early 1800's.

The festival begins on the first evening of the ninth lunar month and lasts for nine days.

Participants in the festival perform acts of body piercing as a means of shifting evil spirits from individuals onto themselves and bring the community good luck.

