Magic lights and culture: The Diwali festival lights up Bangkok!

Magic lights and culture: The Diwali festival lights up Bangkok!

The “Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025” is currently in full swing in Bangkok and the festive spirit can be felt everywhere. The theme “Light Unites Us” will be celebrated from October 16 to 31 in the cultural districts of Phahurat (also known as Little India) and Khlong Ong Ang. Minister Arttakorn Sirilakthakorn opened the event, which aims to promote Thai-Indian friendship and further position Thailand as a global tourist destination. High-ranking guests such as the Indian Ambassador to Thailand and representatives of the Thai Tourism Authority were also present.

Unique cultural performances are the focus of the festival. You can expect classical Indian dances such as Bharatanatyam and Bollywood Dance, as well as Thai contemporary dances. Mini-concerts with well-known Thai artists will also enrich the wide-ranging program. The Khlong Ong Ang area is festively decorated with colorful lights, rangoli art and diyas, the traditional Indian oil lamps, making the nighttime walk an experience.

Highlights of the festival

The official opening ceremony on October 19th included an impressive candlelight ceremony and a coordinated light and sound show. In the coming days, visitors can witness the “Grand Procession of Exquisite Radiance,” a parade honoring Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha that brings together dancers, musicians and ornately decorated floats.

• Sacred Light: Verehrung von Lakshmi und Ganesha
• The Art of Light: Thai-indische Lichtinstallationen
• Blessed Flavour: Kulinarische Erlebnisse
• Rhythm of Light: Kulturelle Aufführungen und Konzerte
• Diwali Market: Thai und indische Handwerksprodukte
• Experiences of Light: Workshops, u.a. für Henna und Laternen

Particularly noteworthy are the nighttime light installations, which bathe the entire area in a magical light. In addition, there are a number of information stands set up in different regions of Bangkok to encourage visitor engagement and support the celebrations. These also provide information about the great culinary offerings and cultural highlights that are integrated into the festival.

Economic impact and visitor numbers

The festival is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors, generating tourism revenue of over 200 million baht. The Indian travel market is showing steady growth and Thailand is benefiting from an increasing number of visitors from India. In the period from January to September 2025, over 1.7 million Indian tourists have already visited Thailand, making India one of the top five source markets for Thai tourism.

The Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025 not only offers a vibrant celebration of light and cultural values, but is also a platform that strengthens the friendly relationship between Thailand and India and celebrates the cultural diversity in Bangkok. The plug-and-play atmosphere and colorful hustle and bustle are an invitation for everyone to immerse themselves in the celebrations and become part of one of the largest festivals of lights in the world.

For more information and current updates, it is recommended to consult the official channels. This means you can't miss any of the highlights of the festival. For more details, visit [Bangkok Today](https://bangkok-today.com/%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%AB%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%A8%E0%B8% A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B5/), TAT News and Tourism Thailand.