Devotees lit firecrackers and carrier deities on palanquins as they joined a parade at the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket, Thailand, this morning.

The Taoist ritual is best known fow followers piercing their cheeks with swords in the belief that the intense pain will cleanse their spirits of sins from the previous year and prove their religious devotion - bringing good luck in the days ahead.

Locals and tourists watched as the self-flagellating 'mah song', or 'horses of the gods', stabbed their cheeks with sharp implements including long metal skewers, kitchen knives, swords and even the pointed bowsprits of model ships.

In a graphic show of spiritual fortitude, the piercings were even done without anesthetic, with devotees believing the gods will shield them from the pain or injury.

Huge golden Chinese dragons, auspicious artifacts, and ornate palanquins carrying deities were also paraded on the streets during the festivities.

The yearly procession takes place every year at shrines across the island, where there is a hardened Thai-Chinese community. Similar events happen around Thailand among those with Chinese ancestry, but few are as extreme as those on the holiday island.

The festival, also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, usually takes place in the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, typically around September or October. It has roots in ancient Chinese culture.

Participants also observe a strict vegetarian or vegan diet for nine days.

Devotees believe the sacrifice will cleanse their bodies and minds and invite good luck and fortune into their lives. Many participants believe it will also bestow health and spiritual strength.

This year's Vegetarian Festival will run until October 23.