Hungry Ghost Festival traditions observed in Malaysia and Thailand

The Hungry Ghost Festival, a significant cultural tradition in Southeast Asia, will see various observances in Malaysia and Thailand during the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar in 2026.

In Malaysia, the festival involves traditions such as roadside feasts, the burning of joss paper, and getai performances. In Phuket, Thailand, the Por Tor Festival is celebrated with ancestral worship, incense-lit shrines, and community ceremonies. The Phuket City Municipality has scheduled community programs from August 25 to September 10, 2026, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand notes a broader period from August 19 to September 6, 2026.

Key locations for the Phuket festivities include the Phuket Thai Hua Museum, Hok Nguan Kong Shrine, and Cho Ong Shrine. Traditional offerings such as food, fruit, incense, and red Ang Ku turtle cakes are central to the rituals.