The Vegetarian Festival in Hat-Yai, Thailand

Reported by: Samiksha Meshram, PhD. student

The Vegetarian Festival, also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, is a significant religious event celebrated in various parts of Thailand, including Hat Yai. This festival is held annually during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, and its purpose is to encourage people to adopt a 10-day vegetarian diet for spiritual cleansing and merit-making.

One of the highlights of this festival is a procession of images of gods and golden dragons around the shrines of Hat Yai. The Vegetarian Festival is a time for the Thai-Chinese community to observe strict vegetarianism and participate in various religious rituals. During the festival, participants strictly adhere to a vegetarian diet, which means they avoid meat, poultry, fish, and all animal by-products. In addition to dietary restrictions, participants also engage in various rituals, including processions and ceremonies held at temples.

During our visit to Hat Yai, we observed that the atmosphere was very lively and filled with a strong sense of devotion. We also had the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of delicious vegetarian dishes. Local vendors and restaurants offered an excellent selection of vegetarian food options. This provided us with a unique opportunity to explore the diverse and flavorful cuisine of the Thai-Chinese culture. Overall, it was an enriching experience, allowing us to participate in a distinctive cultural and religious celebration while respecting the various traditions and customs associated with it.

Here are some of the glimpses from our visit to this festival:

NOTE:
Please find your more photos from the link below:
https://ibc-elibrary.thanhsiang.org/node/1038