Vegetarian Festival 2022 (Jae Festival 2022) will be celebrated over 10 days from 25 September to 4 October 2022. Officially known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival (เทศกาลกินเจ), it is an annual Taoist event that welcomes the nine deities from heaven. The event is celebrated from the eve to the ninth day of the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Thais, especially those of Chinese descent in Phuket and Bangkok, observe a vegetarian diet over this period.
Dozens of Taoist shrines organise religious processions in Phuket annually during this period. Head down to the shrines below if you are around the area:
In Bangkok, the festival is mainly celebrated in the city’s Chinatown (also known as Yaowarat). Aside from religious activities that will be held at the Taoist shrines in the area, most of the people in the precinct will observe a vegetarian diet during this period. Food stalls and shops will put up a yellow flag to indicate that their ingredients or cooked food are vegetarian.
Head down to the Kwang Tung Shine and bask in the festive atmosphere:
For tourists and visitors who find Yaowarat a little crowded, out of the way, or wish to avoid being caught in unexpected rain, you can also visit vegetarian food fairs that will be held in many of the shopping malls in Bangkok.
One of these prominent food fairs is being held at IconSiam. Their Vegetarian Food Fest has already started on 22 September and will last until 4 October 2022. You can find vegetarian food of various cuisines, ranging from Chinese, Thai, Western, to Halal at this food fair.
A free resource on all aspects of living, working, and traveling in Bangkok, Thailand. Learn about latest news, events, and survival tips.
