The annual Vegetarian Festival starte in Thailand every year in the tenth Thai lunar month on the first new moon after the equinox. Most people make the mistake in thinking that this is a festival only celebrated in Phuket. Although it is true that their version is certainly livelier, it is actually celebrated in many places around Thailand wherever there are large Chinese communities.
All through the town we have had large yellow banners hung across the roads for the past week. To prepare for this festival, it is not that easy since the Chinese version of "jay" is more vegan than vegetarian as you are not allowed any animal products. So, this not only means fish, but also milk and eggs. Just to complicate it, you cannot eat strong smelling produce such as garlic and onions.
