Bangkok, 12 October, 2015 –
Preparation for a nationwide cultural phenomenon in the ninth lunar
month in the Chinese calendar is now underway. Thailand – home to the
largest overseas Chinese community in the world – plans to celebrate the
Vegetarian Festival with specially prepared delicacies, grand
processions of Chinese deities, and spectacular displays of spiritual
beliefs, from 13-21 October, 2015, nationwide.
The
Vegetarian Festival in Thailand is widely celebrated throughout the
country, especially among the nine million Thai-Chinese population, who
strictly observe a vegetarian or vegan diet for nine days and nights for
the purposes of spiritual cleansing, merit-making, conferring good
luck, and ensuring prosperity and long life.
From
Bangkok’s Chinatown to historic seaports on the Gulf of Thailand, and
tranquil heaven-on-earth hideaways to bustling resort towns, Thailand
and its Thai-Chinese population unite to welcome both local residents
and cultural visitors in energetic celebrations of the Vegetarian
Festival – shaped by multiple cultural references including Chinese
Taoism and Mahayana Buddhism.
Recognising
the importance of cultural diversity in Thai society, and commemorating
the auspicious occasion of the 40th anniversary of Thai-Sino relations,
the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is committed to showcasing the
Vegetarian Festival as one of the key highlight activities targeting
international communities around the world.
Mr.
Yuthasak Supasorn of TAT said, “This October, Thailand is ready to
welcome both local and international visitors to the unique spectacle of
the Vegetarian Festival in every part of the country. Participants will
be able to witness spectacular celebrations from a traditional dragon
dance to a parade of spirit mediums or Mah Song performing awe-inspiring
acts. In addition, our Vegetarian Festival will not only help purify
the body and mind, but also enliven a sense of well-being.”
Highlights
also include the Yaowarat Vegetarian Festival, where yellow flags fly
along a stretch of road in Bangkok’s Chinatown, and fine celebrations
are held on a grand scale. In Samut Sakhon, merit-making at nine revered
shrines and scrumptious delicacies are at the heart of the festival.
In
Southern Thailand, the development of the Vegetarian Festival is driven
predominantly by Chinese Hokkien influences. Considered the epicentre of
the Vegetarian Festival in Thailand, the festivities in Phuket include
the celebration of the Nine Emperor Gods, and a procession of
awe-inspiring religious rituals; such as, walking on fire and impaling
of body parts in a carnival-like atmosphere. In Krabi, the celebrations
showcase a dynamic display of strong spiritual beliefs among
Thai-Chinese with more than 40 Chinese shrines joining forces in a grand
procession.
This year,
visitors will also be able to experience the celebrations distinguished
by unique charms and characteristics in major cities including Pattaya,
Ranong, Trang, Phang Nga, and Hat Yai, as well as other cities
throughout Thailand.
