Thailand

The Vegetarian Festival is a traditional Thai celebration held annually in October, during which a portion of the Thai population will consume only meat-free dishes for nine days.

Origins of the Vegetarian Festival

The origins of this festival are not clear, and several variations exist.

In 1825, a Chinese opera troupe arrived in Kathu, Thailand. This troupe, which came to perform for miners, fell seriously ill. The members then appealed to the gods and began a vegetarian diet in honor of them. Their appeals were heard, and the troupe was miraculously saved.

Another version states that the population of Kathu had succumbed to an epidemic, and it was this same theater troupe that saved them from the disease through the invocation of the gods (who are actually nine emperors) and the fast they had begun.

Course of the festivities

The festivities begin with the raising of the lantern pole, which notifies the nine Chinese gods of the start of the festival. The streets become colorful, food stalls are set up, Chinese opera performances entertain tourists, and everything becomes noisy. Firecrackers and music force the participants to protect their ears.

During these nine days, participants must adhere to certain rules:

• Cleanliness of the body
• Clean kitchen utensils used only by participants
• Wearing white clothes
• Impeccable physical and mental behavior
• No meat consumption
• No sex
• No alcohol
• Mourners cannot participate.
• Pregnant and menstruating women cannot participate.

The events continue with ceremonies aimed at invoking the gods, with participants acting as intermediaries with them. For this, they engage in physical performances such as walking on hot coals, piercings, and self-mutilation.

Participants pierce their cheeks with various and unusual objects, such as knives, iron bars, umbrellas, brooches, etc.

Travelers can attend and participate in the spectacle by lighting incense sticks and enjoying vegetarian cuisine sold at stands set up for the occasion. They are also allowed to enter temples. To spot a restaurant offering vegetarian food during the festival, it's easy: it will display a flag in the shape of an inverted triangle with a yellow background and red writing.

Dates of the 2019 Vegetarian Festival

The 2019 Vegetarian Festival will be held in Phuket from September 29 to October 7, 2019.