Bangkok: The first day of the Vegetarian Festival in Trang Province saw a lively turnout, with nearly 1,000 people gathering at the Khanom Pia shop in Soi 9, Thap Thiang Subdistrict, Mueang District, to receive free vegetarian meals. Business owners in the region invested millions of baht to provide these meals, aiming to support low-income earners and promote the festival's spirit of merit-making.
According to Thai News Agency, the distribution of vegetarian meals will continue throughout the festival, from October 21 to October 29, providing three meals a day for a total of 27 meals. The food distribution occurs between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM and has been sustained for 15 consecutive years as a gesture of giving back to the community.
Each participant receives a lunchbox containing at least 20 meals, including steamed rice, clear soup, spicy curry, vegetarian mooncakes, and fried dough sticks. Friends of the business owners also contribute by providing additional vegetables and desserts to support the annual merit-making event.
In Yala Province, the Chaam Jae shop on Sri Bamrung Road witnessed significant interest from locals eager to purchase vegetarian meals. Mr. Phichit Wilai-anchalee, also known as Hia Seng, confirmed that his restaurant, which has been operating for over 27 years, continues to offer vegetarian food at 45 baht per meal. The establishment has taken measures to produce some ingredients in-house to manage costs amidst rising protein prices.
Additionally, popular vegetarian snacks such as 3 Hong Kong Eggs for 25 baht, bakery items, and donuts are available, encouraging community participation in the festival and promoting the health benefits of a vegetarian diet.
In Phuket Province, the festival's first day was marked by people dressed in white paying respects at shrines and receiving vegetarian meals. Larger shrines in Phuket Town have been providing two free vegetarian meals each day. The festival atmosphere is vibrant, with vendors offering vegetarian food and related items, drawing both locals and tourists.
The festival's second day will feature the Iu Keng ceremony, a procession of the Buddha image around Phuket Town, and the Song Keng ceremony, offering prayers to His Majesty the King, further enriching the cultural significance of the event.