Buddhist shrines have begun offering free meals 'to cleanse residents' stomachs' during the annual Vegetarian Festival in Thailand.

Several houses of worship in Nakhon Ratchasima province have begun treating the locals to vegetable dishes for the yearly celebration.

Footage shows the staff at the Siang Siang Ting shrine chopping up vegetables in the kitchen to prepare appetizers before the festivities start on Monday.

The cooks said they expected to use at least 600 kilograms of vegetables per day serving customers during the celebration from September 26 to October 4.

Local media reported that vegetable costs have slightly risen after farms in Thailand's northeastern provinces were slightly affected by monsoon floods.

The festival this year falls on September 25 to October 4, with flamboyant street processions - featuring performers committing self-mutilation to prove their devotion - making a return as pandemic curbs in the country have eased.

During the celebration, locals abstain from eating meat, animal-derived products, and pungent vegetables like garlic and onion believing the practice would purge impurities from the mind and soul.

Instead, meatless dishes like spring rolls, green curry, soup, and fried rice are sold in street stalls for hungry tourists to fill their stomachs.

The event last year was dampened by Covid-19 restrictions, but this year, it is seen to generate tourism revenue as holidaymakers are expected to make a visit, local officials said.