What is the Phuket Vegetarian Festival?
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is celebrated every year in Phuket, and this year the festival will be last ten days between the 15th Oct – 25 Oct.
The celebration always starts on the eve of the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar and is also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. The festival is celebrated primarily in Southeast Asian countries, which include Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
Why Is It A Vegetarian Festival?
While the festival is on, you will notice a number of shops around the island that feature red and yellow jay flags displayed to let customers know that they are observing the festival and that Vegan and Vegetarian food is available.
Vegan and Vegetarian foods are considered clean and pure foods and, as such, a symbol of purity. During this period, participants of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival are expected to keep their thoughts pure, and wear all white attire to reflect it. There is also an exptectance to refrain for sex, alcohol or any stimulants during the festival.
Where Is The Phuket Vegetarian Festival?
You will see this celebrated across the island by many people and in places. It’s easy enough to spot because you’ll see the flags on display and the locals wearing the white attire. The most common areas are Phuket’s Chinese Temples and Phuket Town.
We also celebrate this time of year at Naka Weekend Market where we have some of the best Vegetarian and Vegan street food available with a nice, relaxed atmosphere. Some of the celebrations for the festival can be quite intense and not for the faint of heart.
How Can I Celebrate The Festival?
If you would like to be involved and celebrate the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, here are a few simple rules to follow:
– Be respectful to those around you
– Wear all white attire when attending the festival
– Keep a clean body and mind during the festival including personal hygiene
– Avoid eating any non vegetarian or vegan products
– Avoid alcohol or other stimulants
– Abstain from phyiscal contact
– Make sure eating utensils are cleaned and separated from meat or diary products
Enjoy Yourself
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is one of the many amazing and unique events you should try and see if you’re travelling through Phuket, and Naka Weekend Market is definitely the best place for tasty Vegetarian and Vegan street food.
See you this weekend!
