Thailand begins 27-day Diwali celebrations, highlights cultural ties with India

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over a candle-lighting ceremony at River Park, ICONSIAM, before formally opening the festival, Thai newspaper Thairath reported.An Indian cultural troupe performed Kuchipudi, a classical dance form, at the event.Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Sunday inaugurated the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026 in Bangkok, marking the start of 27 days of celebrations across the country.The Indian Embassy described the festival as the longest Diwali celebration outside India, saying it would showcase India’s cultural diversity and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.Anutin presided over a candle-lighting ceremony at River Park, ICONSIAM, before formally opening the festival, Thai newspaper Thairath reported.Indian Ambassador Puneet Agrawal, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool attended, the embassy said in a post on X. An Indian cultural troupe performed Kuchipudi, a classical dance form, at the event. The celebrations are being organised jointly by the embassy, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Indian diaspora associations.SHARED CULTURAL ROOTSIn his address, Anutin said Diwali’s message of light overcoming darkness, good triumphing over evil, and knowledge and hope helping people move forward had universal significance, Thairath reported. He highlighted the influence of Indian civilisation on Thai culture through Buddhist teachings, Sanskrit and Pali, and the Ramakien, Thailand’s version of the Ramayana.TOURISM AS A BRIDGEAnutin described tourism as a bridge between the countries, with India among Thailand’s key tourist markets.He said the festival offered an opportunity to promote cultural tourism and mutual understanding, while showcasing Thailand as a destination welcoming different cultures and religions.The celebrations will continue across Thailand through November, with the embassy inviting people of different faiths and backgrounds to experience Indian culture.- Ends