Vietnamese Vegetarian Food Festival & Buddhist Vu Lan Ceremony

Vietnamese Vegetarian Food Festival!
In celebration of Vu Lan (Vietnamese Mother's Day, also known as Ullambana - see below for more on this holiday), all are welcome for a Buddhist ceremony at 11am, lunch for participants (donations appreciated), followed by celebrations and food for sale (Cash only) until food runs out or closing by 9pm. In Vietnamese with English translation.

Free entry, no tickets needed.

Hosted by Chua Hai An Vietnamese Buddhist Temple in Lake City GA, at the Morrow Event Center. Nonprofit organization and all proceeds go towards Vietnamese children's classes at the temple!

Event center address: 1180 Southlake Circle, Morrow GA 30260
Please bring cash.

Example of dishes: Vietnamese Crepes - Lotus Salad - Spring Rolls - Vegetarian Pho - Bun Bo Hue Noodle Soup - Vermicelli - Chow Mein - Tofu Rice Plates - Vegetarian Chicken - Smoothies - Asian Desserts - Che Bap - Boba Tea

All food is 100% vegetarian - no meat or seafood. We also avoid onion, garlic, leek, shallots, and chives. Note: Some dishes may contain milk; vegans please ask for clarification if unsure.

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What is Vu Lan? (Ullambana, also known in Chinese as Hungry Ghost Festival, or Buddha's Joyful / Delight Day)

Vu Lan or Ullamabana is a traditional event dating back to the Buddha’s time to promote filial piety and gratitude to our parents and ancestors. On this day, Buddhists offer prayers both to their departed forefathers and to their living parents and elders.

It is generally believed that one who performs a good deed accumulates spiritual merit. It is considered an even more pious act when the merit earned is shared with departed souls, which will help them to be reborn in good realms and alleviate their suffering.

Ullambana is celebrated by Buddhists the world over. Though there are slight variations in certain customs and beliefs, the fundamental rituals remain essentially the same. Besides offering prayers to the souls of deceased ancestors and welfare of their parents, people carry offerings such as food, medicine and clothes for monks and nuns in monasteries. This celebration is an act of thanksgiving to the sangha community for their blessings and prayers.

Learn more about this Buddhist holiday here:
http://www.bplmonastery.org/ullambana.html
and
http://www.hsilai.org/en/cul/ullambana.php

Why does Buddhism encourage vegetarianism?
Read more here:
https://sunnyvale.ctzen.org/wiki/dharma-gems/dharma-lectures/buddhism-and-vegetarianism-by-grand-master-weichueh/