thaisnews.com, October 11, 2006

Songkhla, Thailand -- The Songkhla tourism business federation, Songkhla provincial authority, Hat Yai municipality and other organizations are jointly organizing the 2006 Hat Yai Chinese Vegetarian Festival from October 21st to 30th.

Mr. Nimitr Chaicheerathikul, the chairman of the Songkhla tourism business federation, said that there will be special activities in addition to the sales of vegetarian food.

On October 23rd, the Department of Health and the association of Thai restaurants will hold a vegetarian food contest.

On October 24th, a religious parade on the Chinese Vegetarian Festival occasion will commence at 8 am.

On October 27th, alms-making to 199 Buddhist monks will start at 6:30 AM.

The opening of the Chinese vegetarian festival period will take place at 3.30 pm on the same day, which will be followed by numerous religious parades from different shrines. Entertaining performances will go on until midnight.