By Jimmey Mishra | Bangkok
BANGKOK: Thailand has ushered in the spirit of India’s biggest festival of lights with spectacular grandeur as Prime Minister H.E. Mr Anutin Charnvirakul inaugurated the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026 at ICONSIAM, Bangkok, on November 8.
The high-profile inauguration was attended by India’s Ambassador to Thailand, Puneet Agrawal; Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr Surasak Phancharoenworakul; Bangkok Governor Mr Chadchart Sittipunt; and Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Ms Thapanee Kiatphaibool.
Adding an Indian cultural touch to the celebrations, a cultural troupe representing the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in Thailand delivered a vibrant performance of the renowned Indian classical dance form, Kuchipudi. The performance was led by Dr Vyshnavi Sainath Prabhu, showcasing India’s rich artistic heritage to the international audience.
Spanning 27 days throughout November, the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival is being celebrated across Thailand and is regarded as the longest Diwali celebration outside India. The grand initiative is organised in collaboration with the Embassy of India in Bangkok, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Indian diaspora associations.
The festival offers visitors from all faiths and walks of life an opportunity to experience and celebrate India’s extraordinary cultural diversity, traditions and artistic splendour through the spirit of Diwali.
The enthusiastic celebrations across Thailand reflect the deep-rooted and ever-growing cultural bonds and people-to-people connections between India and Thailand. Beyond the festivities, the event highlights the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening friendship, cultural exchange and tourism through vibrant people-centric initiatives.
