Vegetarian Festival 2024 in Thailand

Every year, Thailand hosts one of the world’s largest Vegetarian Festivals. Popular in certain regions (especially Phuket), the festival takes place during the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. This year, it runs from October 2 to October 12.

The Vegetarian Festival, also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival or Jay Festival, celebrates vegetarian and vegan food. It is marked by highly ritualized events, including street processions where some participants engage in self-mutilation.

History of the Vegetarian Festival in Thailand

The origins of the festival are not entirely clear, but two things are certain: it began within the Chinese community and in Phuket. The festival supposedly started after a Chinese opera troupe came to Phuket and suffered from a malaria outbreak.

After several crises, the troupe could no longer perform. They first turned to traditional Chinese medicine, which did not help. An elder advised them to adopt a strict vegan diet and pray to the nine emperor gods while performing purification rituals. Surprisingly, the troupe recovered. The Chinese community in Phuket adopted this practice, and it gradually evolved into the annual Vegetarian Festival.

What Happens During the Vegetarian Festival

During the festival, participants refrain from eating meat and other animal products for nine days. The purpose is to cleanse the body and spirit, with Phuket’s Chinese temples playing a central role in organizing the ceremonies.

One of the most symbolic moments is the raising of a large bamboo pole at Chinese temples across Phuket, inviting the nine emperor gods to descend to Earth. Street stalls offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan foods, and in the evening, fireworks light up the sky. People parade in colorful attire, with the final day featuring especially dramatic processions (not for the faint-hearted).

Other Cities Celebrating the Festival

Apart from Phuket, several other towns celebrate the vegetarian festival: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, etc. The events in these cities are less intense (no self-mutilation), but they are great opportunities to explore street food, including fried tofu, spring rolls, and fried taro.

In Bangkok, head to Chinatown (Yaowarat). Every evening, numerous food stalls offer various dishes. Starting at 6:00 PM, you can also catch a Chinese opera.

In Chiang Mai, Warorot Market is home to many vegetarian and vegan food stalls.

In Pattaya, one of the main events for the vegetarian festival will take place from Thursday 3 October to 12 October at the Tai Sien Foundation temple