200 years of Katu Shrine: Celebrate the Veggie Festival with us!

200 years of Katu Shrine: Celebrate the Veggie Festival with us!

Phuket is currently celebrating the 200th anniversary of Katu Shrine, an event that not only celebrates local culture but also highlights the roots of traditional vegetarian food (Jia Chai). These celebrations, which will take place from October 21 to 29, 2025, have the theme “200 years of faith, the power of good that never ends” and will bring together both citizens and tourists in the vibrant city.

The highlights of the festivities can be experienced on October 24, 2025, when the grand canonization ceremony of the Katu Shrine takes place. The “Charity Fine Dining” event will also be held on this day. If you don't want to miss the spectacle, you shouldn't miss the impressive Parade of the Gods (Iu Keng), which is considered the highlight of the day. The event is supported by Thanchart Insurance, which also promotes the sustainable continuation of this cultural tradition and supports other shrines such as Kuan Yu and Jui Tui. The same insurance company is not only committed to the tradition of vegetarian food, but also aims to stimulate the local economy.

An invitation to everyone

Katu Municipality plays a central role in organizing this celebratory event. It invites anyone interested to visit the colorful decorations and information stands about the 200-year tradition of the vegetarian festival. The audience will be entertained by the well-known artist Ice Saranyu on October 24, 2025 from 9:00 p.m., a highlight that attracts both locals and tourists.

But what makes the vegetarian festival so special? Every year the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, also known as the “Nine Emperors Festival” or “Jay Festival”, takes place. This event attracts crowds of visitors and symbolizes the participants' desire for a long and happy life, expressed through strict vegetarian dietary principles and religious rituals. Especially during the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, believers dedicate themselves to protecting themselves from evil.

A combination of faith and enjoyment

The island's 25 shrines, including Katu Shrine, host numerous ceremonies during the festivities that emphasize the exponential combination of faith and enjoyment. Attendees are invited to enjoy free vegetarian meals three times a day, with an atmosphere filled with delicious dishes such as fried tofu, fried spring roll and pink vegetarian noodle soup.

The festival not only has a cultural but also an economic impact on the region, with estimates that over 9 billion baht will be generated from increased tourism. This clearly shows that there is real economic potential behind the religious rituals and the sumptuous cuisine.

By inviting people to take part in these celebrations, Phuket is setting an example for the solidarity of the people and the preservation of their traditions. A visit to Katu Shrine and taking part in these unique festivities is more than just an event - it is a journey into the hearts and souls of the people of Phuket. For further details and current information about the festivities, those interested can visit the following pages: Mitihoon, Kathu City, and Thailand World.