Guillaume
Mégevand is a self-taught portrait, lifestyle and documentary
photographer from Switzerland who is currently based in Bangkok, Thailand. Of
this series, Blood and Firecrackers, he writes:
‘This series of photos was taken during the Vegetarian
Festival in Phuket, Thailand. Over nine days local residents of Chinese
ancestry strictly observe a vegetarian diet for the purpose of spiritual
cleansing and merit-making. Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese
shrines and temples. The festival involves various processions, temple
offerings and culminates with walking on hot coals, climbing knife-blade
ladders, self-piercing the skin and so on.
‘Their special 9-day diet seems to allow the participants of
the festival to be inhabited by the gods since they apparently feel no physical
pain. This seems difficult to believe, but they really appear to be possessed
and also to be beyond being hurt or feeling pain despite what they go through.
‘The most amazing moment for me was the last evening of the
festival when thousands of citizens came out of their homes to throw
firecrackers on the participants of the final procession. During these few
hours, Phuket was more like a war zone rather than the quiet tourist town we
all know. Luckily for everyone involved, this war zone is one of joy and faith
and the culmination of nine incredible days.’
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