Each year, the people of Thailand celebrate a special vegetarian festival. This year, its scheduled to take place during the first half of October. There will be a series of cultural programmes and plenty of delicious vegetarian food to enjoy during this time. The Vegetarian Festival is definitely a popular time to be in Bangkok, so make sure to book your accommodation with Centre Point Hotels as early as possible! Background of the Vegetarian Festival in Thailand The festival is staged according to the Thai lunar calendar. It begins on the 15th day of the waning moon of the 10th lunar month. The fact that its tied to the lunar calendar means that the dates shift from year to year. In 2016, it lasts from 1ย to 9 October, and you may even see a few festivities leading into and out of these days. This festival actually has Chinese origins. Thai Buddhists around the country will observe the occasion, but the festivities typically focus in areas with large Chinese-Thai populations. In Bangkok, there will be plenty of activities held around Yaowarat (Chinatown). As the name of the festival suggests, vegetarian food abounds during the festival. Street vendors will offer more vegetarian options than they normally do, and areas around the main festival sites will feature an abundance of vegetarian “ often Chinese style “ food. Even 7-Elevens will get in on the festivities, with an increased selection of vegetarian snacks on their shelves. Religious Observance during the Thai Vegetarian Festival Vegetarian food is only one aspect of the festival. Some Thai Buddhists will observe extra Buddhist precepts, which are seen as a way of purifying the spirit and making merit during the auspicious occasion. The vegetarian food eaten during this festival is called jay food. Jay is the Thai/Chinese word for eight precept observance. Here are some of the extra precepts devotees observe during this period:
- Keep their bodies clean and pure
- Wear white clothing
- Abstain from sexual relationships or alcohol
- Remain mindful of actions and thoughts
- Refrain from harming or killing animals
The final point is tied into the vegetarian diet. But as well show you in the next section, this diet that devotees eat is different than a traditional vegetarian diet in the West. What is the Thailand Vegetarian Diet? The Thailand vegetarian diet stems from a desire to treat animals with more compassion and kindness. Thats why devout Thai Buddhists will often abstain from eating meat during religious observances. But there are other restrictions as well. The Thai vegetarian diet also limits the consumption of certain foods that are thought to inflame the passions. For that reason, Thai vegetarian food doesnt feature more pungent vegetables such as garlic, onions or chilies. Instead, it strives for more balance between flavours. Finally, Thai vegetarian cuisine does not include milk or eggs. Infographic: Thailand Vegetarian Festival The Thailand Vegetarian Festival is always a good time in Bangkok, and 2016 should be no exception. To offer more insight into the festivities, weve also created a special infographic with more information about the festival. Find out more below. [caption id="attachment_5259" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Chinese Vegetarian Festival Infographic[/caption]
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