- विज्ञापन -
Bangkok: The Embassy of India in Bangkok showcased the rich cultural ties between India and Thailand through a performance featuring Khon dance and a Sitar recital. This event was part of the SAMVAD-IV initiative held in Thailand.
The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre presented the Khon dance, which narrates the story of Ramayana, led by Khwanfa Phoophangsute, and a Sitar performance by Noparuj Satjawan. The event took place at the Rembrandt Hotel in Bangkok on Friday, as noted in a post on X by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in Thailand.
Khon, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is a traditional Thai masked dance drama that fuses music, vocals, literature, dance, rituals, and handicrafts. It portrays significant events from Lord Ram’s life, including his forest exile, his alliance with Hanuman and his army, and his battles against the giant king Thosakan. This art form exemplifies the rich cultural exchange and historical connections between the two nations.
During the SAMVAD event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed participants virtually, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural ties between India and Thailand that span over 2,000 years. He emphasized the importance of Asian traditions in promoting peace and harmony, stating, “The Ramayan and Ramakien connect us, and our shared reverence for Bhagwan Buddha unites us. When India sent holy relics of Bhagwan Buddha to Thailand last year, billions of devotees paid homage.”
This year’s SAMVAD theme, focusing on the Asian Century, highlights that Asia’s rise is not only economic but also encompasses social values, as stated by PM Modi.
The historical relationship between India and Thailand is founded on longstanding social and cultural interactions, as well as extensive people-to-people connections. The shared Buddhist heritage is evident through regular pilgrimages by many Thais to significant Buddhist sites in India, and Hindu influences are prominently seen in Thai architecture, arts, dance, drama, sculpture, and literature.
