Mr. Prasit Ongwatthana, chairman of the Samphanthawong Cultural Council, said that the 2026 Yaowarat Vegetarian Festival would be grandly organized by the Samphanthawong Cultural Council in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Samphanthawong District Office and partner networks from 9 to 19 October. The event includes ritual ceremonies and formal proceedings. On 9 October at 12:00 PM, there will be a deity invitation ceremony involving all 22 shrines in the Yaowarat area, starting from Wat Lokanukroh, with a procession featuring palanquins, lions, dragons, and the Lo Kwo figure to be enshrined at the Odeon Gate arch, accompanied by a worship ceremony of the nine planets. In the evening, there will be chanting ceremonies, Buddha mantras recitation, and free vegetarian food distribution.
Mr. Prasit added that the highlight on 10 October is the official opening ceremony at the Odeon roundabout, featuring dragon drum performances and the preparation of 1,000 auspicious fried noodle plates, followed by a floral procession with a beautifully adorned statue of the Guan Yin goddess parading around Yaowarat and returning to the Odeon roundabout. Afterwards, there will be chanting and incense circling ceremonies, as well as setting up free food stalls. Traffic will be closed from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Additionally, over 140 famous street food vendors will set up stalls along Yaowarat Road. On 15 October, a significant ritual will take place: the floating krathong merit ceremony to dispel bad luck and share merit with the lonely and friendless, starting with a procession at Sawasdee Pier and continuing through various lanes in the area. On 18 October, there will be the Tinkrajat ceremony, distributing 1,200 sets of rice and dry food, as well as 1,000 sets of vegetarian meals. On the morning of 19 October, a sending-off ceremony for the deities will be held. Throughout the festival, there will be performances, cooking demonstrations, vegetarian food classes, and prize giveaways for attendees.
/ Thairath Newspaper Column (More)