The festival is set along the scenic Ong Ang Canal near Chinatown and Phahurat Road
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his delight at Thailand’s grand celebration of Diwali, as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra inaugurated the 'Amazing Thailand Diwali Festival 2024' in Bangkok’s Little India.

In a heartfelt post on X, Prime Minister Modi extended his best wishes for the event, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding cultural ties between India and Thailand. “Delighted by PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s gesture. My best wishes for the Amazing Thailand Diwali Festival. May it deepen the cultural bonds between India and Thailand,” Prime Minister Modi wrote on Wednesday (October 30, 2024).

The inauguration took place on October 30 at Phahurat, Bangkok’s vibrant Indian district, in a ceremony graced by notable figures including Indian Ambassador to Thailand Nagesh Singh, former Thai Prime Minister Sretta Thavisin, Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong, and Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. The event marks a significant cultural gesture between the two countries, underscoring their 77 years of diplomatic ties.

Celebrating Unity and Diversity
The festival, set along the scenic Ong Ang Canal near Chinatown and Phahurat Road, brings together people from all backgrounds to celebrate Diwali. Running until November 3, it offers visitors a rich immersion into Indian culture, spiritual diversity, and the enduring connection between Thailand and India. As part of the inauguration, a Rajasthani folk dance troupe, supported by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), presented a dazzling performance, filling the air with traditional rhythms and colors of India’s cultural heritage.

The Indian Embassy in Thailand acknowledged the enthusiastic participation of the Thai-Indian community, highlighting the event’s role in celebrating shared traditions and fostering cross-cultural understanding. “The enthusiastic celebration of Diwali in Bangkok is a symbol of the deep and ever-growing cultural and people-to-people connection between India and Thailand,” the embassy noted in its statement.

A Festival of Cultural Exchange
The ‘Amazing Thailand Diwali Festival’ offers an extensive program featuring Bollywood performances, classical Indian dance, and traditional Thai music, creating a harmonious blend of Indian and Thai cultural expressions. 

From 4 pm to 10 pm each day, the festival is bustling with activity, welcoming visitors with street stalls showcasing Indian food, clothing, handicrafts, and jewelry. Thai and international visitors have a unique opportunity to explore a diverse selection of Indian culinary delights, from spicy curries and sweets to regional street food staples.

The event provides a hands-on experience of India’s rich traditions through workshops on traditional Indian art forms, such as henna designs, rangoli (colorful floor decorations), and diya (oil lamp) painting, bringing the spirit of Diwali to life in a setting that resonates with Thai customs and hospitality.

Diwali, celebrated as the festival of lights, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. In Thailand, where the Thai-Indian community has flourished for generations, Diwali has become an integral part of the multicultural fabric of society. Phahurat, Bangkok’s ‘Little India,’ has long been a vibrant center for Diwali celebrations.

India and Thailand share a rich history of diplomatic ties dating back over seven decades. This year, they mark their 77th year of bilateral relations, characterized by cooperation in fields like commerce, technology, and education. 

In recent years, both governments have undertaken initiatives to strengthen their partnership in the areas of maritime security, infrastructure development, and renewable energy. As members of ASEAN and BIMSTEC, India and Thailand collaborate on regional issues, and both countries have prioritized expanding trade and investment opportunities. India’s ‘Look East’ policy aligns closely with Thailand’s emphasis on ASEAN cooperation, creating a mutually beneficial framework for future engagement.

The festival serves as a platform for dialogue and cultural diplomacy, enabling citizens of both countries to learn more about each other’s traditions, values, and lifestyles. For many visitors, the festival is a chance to appreciate the deep-rooted cultural connections that are often mirrored in language, food, and music.

The ‘Amazing Thailand Diwali Festival’ symbolizes a vibrant celebration of unity and cultural harmony. It serves as a bridge, connecting Thailand and India through the shared spirit of Diwali and underscoring the values of friendship, inclusivity, and mutual respect.

As the festival continues until November 3, visitors can explore a unique blend of Indian and Thai traditions, embodying the rich tapestry of diversity that defines both nations. Prime Minister Modi’s appreciation for the event reflects the pride and goodwill that India and Thailand share, looking forward to many more years of strong and meaningful collaboration.