Thailand celebrates vegetarian fare in Nine Emperor Gods Festival
Published : Oct 10, 2018, 3:39 pm IST
Updated : Jul 6, 2019, 3:32 pm IST
The Nine Emperor Gods Festival is a nine-day Taoist celebration beginning on the eve of 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, and is celebrated primarily in Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. (Photos: AP)
The Nine Emperor Gods Jiǔ Huáng Xīng Jūn / Jiǔ Huáng Da Di are the nine sons manifested by Father Emperor Zhou Yu Dou Fu Yuan Jun and Mother of the Big Dipper Dou Mu Yuan Jun who holds the Registrar of Life and Death.
During the festival that runs from Oct. 9 to 17 in 2018, worshippers refrain from eating animal products over the nine days to coincide with the celebration of the nine Chinese Emperor Gods.
On the eve of the ninth moon, temples of the deities hold a ceremony to invoke and welcome the nine emperors.
A temple worker holds a candle for lighting giant incense sticks at a Chinese temple in Bangkok, Thailand.
A man light incense coils at a Chinese temple in Bangkok, Thailand.
In Thailand, this festival is called thetsakan kin che, the Vegetarian Festival. It is celebrated throughout the entire country, but the festivities are at their height in Phuket.
A carnival-like atmosphere pervades the temple throughout the nine-day festival. During this period of time, the constant tinkling of a prayer bell and chants from the temple priests are heard.