(From November 3–29, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will host seven cultural celebrations—including five signature diya-lighting ceremonies—spanning Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket to highlight Thai-Indian culture.)
BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY
KOLKATA | 31 OCTOBER 2026
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has officially launched the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2026, announcing a month-long celebration spanning Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket from November 3 to 29.
The festival, which features five signature diya-lighting ceremonies alongside Thai-Indian cultural performances, live music, and authentic cuisine, serves as a curtain-raiser for the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and India in 2027. Organized by the Indian Association of Thailand (IAT) and the Thai–India Trade and Tourism Association (TITTA), the initiative is backed by the Embassy of India in Bangkok alongside various public and private sector partners to boost local tourism businesses.
“Festivals are a form of Soft Power with strong potential to attract international visitors and encourage cultural experiences,” said Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, noting that this marks TAT’s fifth consecutive year supporting the event. “The festival provides an opportunity to experience the Indian culture that has long been part of Thai society and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.”
A high-level panel discussion exploring the cultural ties and tourism potential between Thailand and India headlined the press launch of the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival.
The panel featured key dignitaries, including Mr. Kittipong Praphatthong, TAT Deputy Governor for Asia and South Pacific Markets; Ms. Shashwati Arya, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of India in Bangkok; and Mr. Nikorn Sachdev, President of the Indian Association of Thailand (IAT). They were joined by prominent business leaders Mr. Sukthep Chansrichawla, Chairman and Managing Director of Mittare Insurance, and Mr. Preecha Champi, Managing Director of Bharata Choice Co., Ltd.
Diwali, the traditional Indian festival of lights symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, falls on November 8 this year. While the core festival is marked by the lighting of traditional clay diyas (oil lamps), family gatherings, and gift exchanges, Thailand is extending the celebrations throughout the entire month of November. The tourism push will be anchored by five signature diya-lighting ceremonies across major destinations.
The festive calendar kicks off with “The First Light” at Central Bangrak in Bangkok on November 3, featuring an official lamp-lighting ceremony from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by live Bollywood music performances continuing through November 4.
On Diwali Day, November 8, the celebrations move to the Chao Phraya riverfront. ICONSIAM’s Riverpark will host “Lotus by the River,” a three-day cultural showcase running from November 6–8. The event will culminate on Diwali night with a signature lamp-lighting ceremony at 5:00 PM, followed by a massive riverside fireworks display at 6:00 PM.
The festivities will then shift to the coast with “Lamps Along the Shore” on Pattaya Beach Road from November 13–15, highlighted by a beachfront lighting ceremony on November 13 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This coastal event will run alongside the “Nine Nights of Candlelight” festival at Central Festival Pattaya Beach, which spans November 7–15 and features dedicated activities on Diwali Day.
A massive nationwide celebration will sweep across Thailand this November, linking traditional Indian festivals with Thai cultural milestones across seven major venues. Admission to all events is free of charge.
The festivities kick off on 8 November in Phuket with “A Sunday of Flavour” at Central Patong, featuring a dedicated Indian food festival alongside dynamic festive activities.
From 20–24 November, Bangkok’s historic Little India in Phahurat will take centre stage with “Threads of Faith”. Building on the neighbourhood’s annual Diwali celebrations held along Khlong Ong Ang since 2022, the event will culminate on 24 November with a grand diya-lighting ceremony from 17:00 to 18:00 Hrs. This special ceremony marks a rare convergence of three major cultural and religious celebrations falling on the same full-moon night: Dev Deepavali, Loi Krathong, and Gurpurab.
The grand finale will take place at Quartier Avenue, EMQUARTIER, hosting “Music on the Avenue” from 26–29 November. The final diya-lighting ceremony of the month-long festival will occur here on 29 November from 17:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Throughout the festival, visitors at all seven venues can experience vibrant Indian cultural performances, live Bollywood music, bustling festive markets, and authentic food experiences. To mark the start of Thailand’s peak tourism season, participating shopping centres—including Central Bangrak, Central Festival Pattaya Beach, Central Festival Patong, ICONSIAM, and EMQUARTIER—will run seasonal promotions and special privileges tailored for Indian travellers and international holidaymakers.
Advertisement:
Add Comment