Bangkok's 19th Ganesha Mahotsav Celebrates Faith, Culture and Thailand–India Friendship

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad Association Thailand (VHP Thailand) wrapped up its 19th annual Ganesha Mahotsav on Sunday, 20 September, closing two days of devotion, music, dance and cultural performances at the Nimibutr Building, National Stadium.

Open to the public, the festival attracted devotees and visitors from across Bangkok. Organisers estimated that up to 5,000 people from the Thai, Indian and wider international communities would take part. Over nearly two decades, the event has grown into one of the city's most visible cultural bridges between Thailand and India.

The Mahotsav opened with the traditional Sthapana Puja to install the idol of Lord Ganesha. It was followed by a programme of devotional music, traditional performances and cultural presentations. This year's lineup included devotional performances by Thai artistes, a sign of how widely Ganesha is revered in Thailand.

Ambassador highlights shared devotion

H.E. Mr. Puneet Agarwal, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Thailand, attended as Chief Guest. He noted that Ganesha, known locally as Phra Phikanet or Phra Phikanesuan, is honoured in Thailand as the God of Success, Arts and Learning.

"His presence is visible not only in temples but also in universities, cultural institutions, and even in the creative industries," the Ambassador said. "This shared devotion is a reminder that Bharat and Thailand are connected not just by geography, but by civilizational warmth, cultural harmony, and spiritual continuity."

"A living expression of our values"

Mr. Susheel Saraff, Trustee of VHP Thailand, said the celebrations were "not merely rituals or traditions" but "a living expression of our values, our heritage and our shared humanity."

"What makes this occasion especially meaningful is that we celebrate it here in Thailand, a land with which India shares bonds of friendship and cultural exchange that extend back many centuries," he added.

Mrs. Vaishali Tushar Urumkar, President of VHP Thailand, described the festival as an occasion that unites the community through culture, tradition and devotion. "Bappa is our remover of obstacles and giver of wisdom," she said. "My heartfelt prayer is that he continues to shower his blessings on all our families, bestow good values and wisdom upon our children, and fill our lives with happiness, peace, and prosperity."

Guests from Thai institutions and business

Distinguished guests from the diplomatic, government, academic, tourism and business communities also attended:

• Mr. Sompong Kaewjaroenpisan, Vice President, University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce
• Mr. Sai Ram Mishra, Bangkok Metropolitan Councillor, Sathon District
• Mr. Apirat Thaweesub, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand
• Mr. Alan Lim and Mr. Kim Jong Min, Advisors, Board of Trade of Thailand
• Dr. Atchaka Sibunruang, Advisor to the Board of Directors, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)
• 
  

Havan and grand Visarjan procession

On the final day, devotees performed a Havan with full Vedic rites. Afterwards, a decorated procession carried the idol of Lord Ganesha from the National Stadium along a designated route, accompanied by chanting, music and dancing.

The procession ended with the Visarjan ceremony, which symbolises Ganesha's return to his divine abode. In Hindu belief, Visarjan is less a farewell than a reminder of the cycle of creation and dissolution, and of the faith that the divine remains even after its physical form departs.

A VHP Thailand spokesperson said the organisation was especially encouraged by the participation of young people and members of the Thai community. The spokesperson reaffirmed VHP Thailand's commitment to continuing the annual celebration as a way of strengthening friendship and understanding between the peoples of India and Thailand.