Nonthaburi: The Vegetarian Festival 2025 has officially begun at Wat Boromrachakanchanaphisek Anusorn, also known as Wat Leng Noei Yi 2. The festival was inaugurated by Ms. Supamas Isaraphakdi, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office, who invited the public to participate in making merit, practicing Dhamma, and meditating.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Supamas Isaraphakdi was assigned by Prime Minister Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul to lead the opening ceremony of the festival. The event seeks to promote merit-making, Dhamma practice, and prayer at the temple located in Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi Province. Key figures such as Mr. Kiattisak Trongsiri, Governor of Nonthaburi Province, Mr. Pairoj Jungthanacharoen, District Chief of Bang Bua Thong, and members of the organizing committee were present. The Chinese clergy side of the ceremony was led by Phra Ajahn Chinthamwachiranuwat (Yen Ngie), the Deputy Chief Abbot of the Chinese Sect and Acting Abbot of Wat Boromrachakanchanaphisek Anusorn.
The Minister emphasized that adopting a vegetarian diet not only contributes to merit accumulation but also fosters a peaceful mind, preventing harm and enmity. Vegetarianism involves abstaining from meat, pungent vegetables, and addictive substances, while purifying the body, speech, and mind through precept observation, which is seen as the true essence of vegetarianism. During the 2025 Vegetarian Festival, the public is encouraged to engage in merit-making through precept observation, meat abstention, and meditation practice to enhance auspiciousness.
The festival is scheduled to run from October 20 to 29, 2025, at Wat Boromrachakanchanaphisek Anusorn (Wat Leng Noei Yi 2) in Bang Bua Thong District. Its objectives include promoting vegetarianism, merit-making, Dhamma practice, and meditation for improved health and mental purity. Notable activities during the festival include the "Kiew Ong Huk Chow" deity invocation, a merit-making ceremony for His Majesty the King, the "Khao Thip" rice blessing, and the Loi Krathong and animal redemption ceremonies.