The Vegan Festival

Looking on the brighter side of things, IT'S THE VEGAN FESTIVAL, folks!…Wow, take it from an old vegetarian, the Thais know their stuff. Over the course of a year I mainly wait for 2 things, December cause it’s just the best time to travel in South Asia and the vegan festival…even Bangkok empties up if you feel like chillin’ at home (that’s December, now we’re basically on top of each other – just a figure of speech!)

More about the festival…I never really know when it starts cause it follows the lunar calendar. Chinese locals strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Most of the Thais join in the fun.  What that boils down to for me: I get break from my in laws who are constantly on my tail about having fish and stuff and we can finally sit down and eat without them eyeing my every bite. Love them though!

In most Chinese Shrines sacred rituals are performed…don’t know lots about that but from what I hear after the religious ceremonies there are dances and trance displays, walking barefoot on hot coals…Wicked! This one definitely reminds me of these videos we saw in high school, ‘Shocking Asia”…
Also during the festival there’s lots of drumming as people believe it drives away evil spirits. I tell you, those spirits don’t stand a chance; even Ake’s granny who’s 90 has her own exorcizing tricks at hand. The last day of the festival there’s a merit making ceremony at all temples, a ritual known as “sadoh-kroh” (casting bad fortune), drumming, fireworks and stuff…
It really makes me feel kind of small…I’ll be there though with my cheap camera! :)