Nine Emperor Gods

Doesn't that sound fantastic!  This is a Chinese vegetarian festival that runs from 23 September until to 2 October that's nine days and nine nights. The dates can vary each year as it ties in with the ninth Chinese lunar month. It's to celebrate the birth of the nine emperor gods and on the ninth day, there's a ceremony to send them back home.  In fact, to some, it's more than vegetarian it is, in fact, vegan.  Not only does that include no dairy but some vegetables and spices. These nine days are not just about not killing animals but also being pure of body and mind.  

Some consider garlic and onion to inflame the passions and therefore these are also avoided during this time. Apparently, devotees of the festival will also refrain from from sex and alcohol.

In town there's banners, yellow background with red writing, across the roads and temporary vendors have popped up everywhere. We didn't bother with the bike this year and simply walked.  It was really busy with everyone tucking in to the variety of food available.  We had some fantastic spring rolls and found the doughnut stall that we enjoyed so much last year.