Bangkok: Thailand has launched a 27-day Diwali celebration aimed at showcasing Indian culture and strengthening cultural and tourism ties between the two countries. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inaugurated the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026 in Bangkok on Sunday, marking the beginning of celebrations scheduled across the country through November.
The Indian Embassy in Thailand described the event as the longest Diwali celebration outside India. It said the festival would highlight India’s cultural diversity while promoting stronger people-to-people connections between India and Thailand.
Anutin presided over a candle-lighting ceremony at River Park, ICONSIAM, before formally opening the festival, according to Thai newspaper Thairath.
The inauguration was attended by Indian Ambassador Puneet Agrawal, Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool.
The event brought together representatives of the two governments, tourism officials and members of the Indian diaspora. An Indian cultural troupe also presented a Kuchipudi performance, introducing visitors to one of India’s classical dance traditions.
The celebrations are being organised jointly by the Indian Embassy, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Indian diaspora associations.
Thai Prime Minister highlights Diwali’s universal message
Addressing the inauguration, Anutin spoke about the wider significance of Diwali and its message of light overcoming darkness, good triumphing over evil, and knowledge and hope guiding people towards a better future.
According to Thairath, he said these values had universal relevance and could bring people from different cultural and religious backgrounds together.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the historical influence of Indian civilisation on Thai society. He referred to the role of Buddhist teachings, Sanskrit and Pali in shaping aspects of Thailand’s cultural and religious traditions.
Anutin also mentioned the Ramakien, Thailand’s national epic based on the Indian Ramayana. The story shares characters and themes with the Ramayana while reflecting Thailand’s own literary, artistic and cultural traditions.
His remarks underlined the long-standing cultural connections between India and Thailand. These links have developed over centuries through religion, literature, language, trade and artistic exchanges.
The Diwali festival, therefore, is being presented not only as a celebration of an Indian festival but also as an opportunity to recognise the shared cultural influences that connect the two countries.
Kuchipudi performance showcases Indian classical arts
An Indian cultural troupe performed Kuchipudi at the opening ceremony, adding a traditional Indian artistic element to the celebrations.
Kuchipudi is one of India’s recognised classical dance forms and originated in Andhra Pradesh. It combines expressive movements, rhythmic footwork, music and storytelling, often drawing on themes from Hindu mythology and Indian literary traditions.
The performance offered visitors an opportunity to experience India’s classical arts as part of the wider festival programme.
The Indian Embassy said the celebrations would showcase India’s cultural diversity. Such events provide a platform for presenting different regional traditions, including dance, music, food, crafts and religious customs, to international audiences.
The participation of Indian diaspora organisations is also an important part of the programme. Members of the Indian community in Thailand help maintain cultural traditions while contributing to exchanges between the two societies.
The festival’s 27-day duration gives organisers an extended opportunity to introduce visitors to different aspects of Indian culture rather than limiting the celebrations to a single evening.
Tourism seen as a bridge between India and Thailand
Anutin also highlighted tourism as an important link between the two countries, describing it as a bridge that encourages cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
India is among Thailand’s important tourist markets, and the Thai government sees opportunities to attract more Indian visitors through cultural events and tourism initiatives.
The Prime Minister said the festival could help promote cultural tourism while presenting Thailand as a destination that welcomes different cultures and religions.
Events such as the Grand Diwali Festival can give international visitors a chance to experience Indian traditions while exploring Thailand’s own cultural attractions.
For Indian travellers, Thailand remains a destination with established cultural connections to India, including influences visible in religious traditions, architecture, literature and festivals.
The celebration also provides an opportunity for Thai residents to learn more about Diwali and the customs associated with it. Through public performances and cultural activities, organisers hope to make the festival accessible to people from different backgrounds.
Indian Embassy promotes people-to-people connections
The Indian Embassy has described the festival as an important platform for strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Thailand.
The joint organisation of the event by diplomatic, tourism and local government bodies reflects cooperation across several sectors. Indian diaspora associations are also contributing to the celebrations, connecting the official programme with community participation.
The festival’s organisers have invited people of different faiths and backgrounds to take part and experience Indian culture.
The emphasis on inclusion reflects Diwali’s wider appeal as a festival associated with light, hope, knowledge and the triumph of good over evil. Although its traditions vary across regions and communities, the festival is celebrated by millions of people in India and in Indian communities around the world.
By hosting celebrations over 27 days, Thailand is giving the festival a prominent place in its cultural calendar for November.
27 days of celebrations across Thailand
The Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026 will continue across Thailand through November. The Indian Embassy has encouraged residents and visitors to participate in the events and explore the country’s cultural programme.
The 27-day schedule is intended to extend the celebrations beyond the opening ceremony in Bangkok, allowing more people to engage with Indian traditions.
The festival also comes at a time when both countries are seeking to strengthen tourism and cultural exchanges. Alongside economic and diplomatic engagement, cultural events offer a way to build familiarity between communities.
The inauguration by Anutin, the participation of senior Thai officials and the Indian Ambassador, and the Kuchipudi performance at the opening ceremony have given the festival a prominent start.
The celebrations underline the longstanding cultural connections between India and Thailand while creating new opportunities for tourism and community engagement. With events continuing across the country through November, the festival aims to make Diwali a shared cultural experience for residents and visitors in Thailand.