Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has officially launched the Amazing Thailand Diwali Festival Bangkok 2024 on the Ong Ang canal walking street, along Phahurat Road. The festival is running from until November 3rd.
It was Paetongtarn’s third visit to the Diwali festival in Bangkok, but her first as the prime minister.
2024 marks the 77th year of bilateral ties with India and, according to the prime minister, the festival helps to emphasise the friendship between the two countries.
“My first time attending the Diwali festival was already impressive, and the festival gets even more magnificent every time,” said Paetongtarn in her opening speech.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during her opening speech
Diwali is one of the most important and religious festivals in Hinduism. Dubbed the ‘festival of lights’, it symbolises the spiritual victory of good over evil.
The festival is celebrated at the Ong Ang Canal, which is located between Chinatown and Phahurat Road.
Indian Ambassador to Bangkok, Nagesh Singh (in black suit) stands next to Bangkok governor, Chadchart Sittipunt.
Nagesh Singh, the Ambassador of India to Thailand said of the area that “this is the old part of the city, which we also call Little India, you know. The first Indian community which came here in the 1890s, in the time of King Rama V, came here to Phahurat.”
The highlight of the festival is lighting an oil lamp, or ‘Deepawali’, as an offering to God, or Lord Krishna in the Hindu faith, to wish for happiness and prosperity.
Deepawali or an oil lamp
Former prime minister Srettha Thavisin, a number of Paetongtarn’s cabinet members and representatives of the India association of Thailand also took part.
Chadchart Sittipunt, Bangkok governor, said “I think it's good to promote the culture and I think Diwali is a happy festival. You know, it’s like celebrating and embracing our friends.”
The Diwali festival starts at 4pm and finishes at 10pm daily and features Bollywood performances, Indian food and clothes stalls along the street.
