Vegetarian Festival

This week is Tesagan Gin Je, the Vegetarian Festival. Although from Chinese Taoist orgins (called the "Nine Emperor-Gods Festival" 九皇爺), the practice of abstaining from meat for nine days during the tenth Chinese lunar month has carried over to Thai Buddhism as well. Although the biggest and most famous celebrations take place on Phuket Island, Bangkok goes all-out as well. You can find certified vegetarian food all over town this week, clearly marked by yellow and red flags with the word เจ (je).

Family Mart

 The school lunches have been vegetarian this week. The yellow flags are everywhere, from my local Family Mart to the neighborhood street market across from my apartment.

neighborhood market

Even Starbucks is getting in on the actions with their vegetarian-friendly soy latte.

 And Tops Supermarket has gone all out with marketing fruits, vegetables, and tofu dishes.