Vegetarian Festival 2023

On the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, usually October, and this year falls on 15-23 October.

The Vegetarian Festival, also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, is one of Thailand's most distinctive and vibrant events. This cultural celebration has its roots in Chinese traditions and takes place during the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, which typically falls in October. In 2023, the festival is scheduled for October 15th to 23rd.

The festival's essence lies in the belief that abstaining from meat and stimulants purifies the body and mind, bringing good health and harmony to individuals and the community. Many Thai people, particularly those of Chinese descent, adhere to a strict vegetarian diet for nine days and nine nights. They do this for spiritual cleansing, merit-making, bestowing good luck, and ensuring prosperity and longevity.

During this year's festival, from October 15th to 23rd, you can experience the unique charms and rituals in major cities across Thailand, including Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, Phuket, Hat Yai, Krabi, Trang, Phang Nga, and several other cities.

Phuket, Thailand's most renowned destination for the Vegetarian Festival, hosts astonishing rituals where participants, believed to be in a trance-like state, perform breathtaking acts of self-mutilation. These include body piercing, walking on hot coals, and climbing razor-sharp ladders to demonstrate their devotion to the gods and ancestors. The Phuket Vegetarian tradition dates back to 1825.

You can join in the worship rituals, follow a vegan diet, pay tribute to the emperor gods, witness street processions of deity statues and devotees, observe the fire-walking ceremony, and cross a purification bridge at various significant locations. Some places offer complimentary vegetarian meals throughout the nine or ten days.

Here are the festival dates and locations in different cities:

• Chon Buri: October 13th to 24th, 2023, at Na Jasa Tai Chue Shrine.

• Prachin Buri: October 14th to 23rd, 2023, at Bampen Thammasathan Foundation.

• Hat Yai: October 14th to 23rd, 2023, at Supasarn Rangsan Park, Songkhla.

• Phang-nga: October 14th to 23rd, 2023, at seven shrines around the province.

• Phak Hai: October 15th to 23rd, 2023, at Tai Hong Kong Shrine, Phak Hai District, Ayutthaya.

• Maha Sarakham: October 15th to 23rd, 2023, at Khun Wiro Kusolsongkroh Foundation (Eng Tek Tung), Kantharawichai District.

• Korat ("jia-chai"): October 15th to 23rd, 2023, at the Thai Chinese Vegan Club and the shrines near the Thao Suranari (Ya Mo) Monument, Nakhon Ratchasima.

• Udon Thani: October 15th to 23rd, 2023, at Grandfather-Grandmother Shrine, Thai Chinese Cultural Centre.

• Phuket: October 15th to 23rd, 2023, at 31 shrines around the province.

• Trang: October 15th to 23rd, 2023, at the shrines around Mueang District.

• Ranong: October 15th to 24th, 2023, at the shrines around Ranong.

• Chumphon: October 15th to 24th, 2023, at Pu Ming Tai Si Buddha Hall.

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