It is that time of the year when the people of Thailand give up eating meat to follow a tradition that has been celebrated since 1825. The Thailand Vegetarian Festival kicks off on the fifteenth day of the 10th month of the lunar calendar, falling in between October or September. With the Thailand Vegetarian Festival of 2014 just around the corner, it is time for Thai common folk to give up eating meat and observe this festival with devotion even if one has been a vegetarian all year round.
One of the most popular festivals for all cheap flights to Thailand, especially among the areas which are densely populated with Chinese immigrants, the Thailand Vegetarian Festival takes place for nine days straight. This festival is especially popular in places such as Phuket, Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
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This year the festival is expected to be held on Tuesday, the 23rd of September until the start of October. During these 9 days, the local residents who belong to the Chinese ancestry rigorously observe and devote themselves to a 9 or 10 day vegetarian or vegan diet.
This is assumed to be for spiritual cleansing and merit-making for the individual. During this festival, sacred rituals are executed at numerous Chinese shrines and temples, whose mere sight is breathtaking. The goal is to free the area of evil spirits and thus bring good luck to the local communities.
Activities at the Festival
Walking over hot coals or fire, and lashing a brace of swords through ones’ cheeks are some of the activities commonly displayed at this Thai festival. Although not associated with vegetarianism, these activities are believed by the participants to show the height of devotion. Furthermore, visual displays such as walking over burning hot coals barefoot and climbing ladders with bladed steps are executed by extremist followers, also known as “Ma Song”.
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It is assumed that the vegetarian festival along with its associated sacred formalities bequeaths good fortune upon those who faithfully observe this rite.
Where to gather to observe the festivities?
All those who are eager to observe this sight should head over to Chinatown, which is the gathering point. Get in the festive mood as rows of stalls are displayed in front of you that boast a wide variety of dishes, which include traditional noodle soups and desserts such as sweet cakes.
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When is the best time to go?
The best time to go to the festival is during the early evening hours. This is because 17:00 is the perfect time for you to easily grab a bite to eat and then enjoy the activities of the festival. Watch as the devotees purify themselves in an act of self-mutilation. Head over to Thailand and observe the biggest vegetarian festival.
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