The Thai vegetarian festival is celebrated throughout the country of Thailand, especially in larger cities with higher populations of Chinese immigrants. It is celebrated in the Chinatown areas of Bangkok, known as Yaowarat, and Chiang Mai, known as Warorot. Thai people bring shrines or deities from their homes to Chinese temples to receive spiritual energy. Thai people hang lanterns at the Chinese temples and light candles outside. Loud drums inside and outside the temples scare away evil spirits. Chinese operas perform, and vendors sell toys, fireworks, and of course, delicious vegetarian Jay food and snacks. Thai people celebrate the vegetarian festival each year for spiritual and physical cleansing, merit-making, and to create a sense of inner peace.