Thailand’s grand festival of light, culture, and connection brings the spirit of Diwali to life across Bangkok this October.
A Festival of Lights, Culture, and Friendship
Bangkok is set to dazzle this October as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveils the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025, a spectacular two-week celebration of light, culture, and the enduring bond between Thailand and India. From 16 to 31 October, the vibrant neighbourhoods of Phahurat (Bangkok’s Little India) and Khlong Ong Ang will come alive under the theme “Light Unites Us,” illuminating shared heritage through art, dance, cuisine, and spiritual harmony.
The festival, jointly organised by TAT alongside government and private partners, reflects Thailand’s growing focus on cultural tourism and its deep-rooted connection to Indian heritage.
“The Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025 celebrates the close relationship between Thailand and India while showcasing Bangkok’s multicultural soul,” said Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT. “Through light, art, and shared traditions, we are reaffirming Thailand’s position as a destination where culture brings people together.”
Bangkok’s Little India to Glow with Light and Tradition
Over the course of two luminous weeks, the streets of Phahurat and Khlong Ong Ang will transform into a tapestry of glowing lamps, sacred altars, and dazzling performances. The official opening ceremony on 19 October will feature a grand candle-lighting ritual, a sound-and-light spectacle, and a Thai–Indian Ramayana performance dramatizing “The Triumph of Good Over Evil.” The evening will culminate in a high-energy Bollywood finale that captures the festival’s fusion spirit.
One of the most anticipated highlights is the Grand Procession of Exquisite Radiance, a parade in honour of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and the joyous essence of Diwali. Expect illuminated floats, Bollywood dancers, devotional music, and lantern bearers creating a symbolic “river of light” through the heart of Bangkok.
Six Ways to Experience “Light Unites Us”
Visitors can immerse themselves in six signature experiences, each designed to reflect the beauty and depth of Diwali:
- Sacred Light – Pay homage to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha through diya lighting and spiritual offerings.
- The Art of Light – Admire breathtaking Thai–Indian light installations that fuse colour, design, and storytelling.
- Blessed Flavour – Savour iconic dishes such as Prawn Biryani, Masala Dosa, and Panipuri, celebrating culinary harmony.
- Rhythm of Light – Enjoy cultural showcases including Bharatanatyam, Bihu, Bollywood, and traditional Thai dances alongside live concerts by Ja Nongpanee, Musketeers, Prang Prangthip, and more.
- Diwali Market – Explore handcrafted Thai and Indian artefacts, festive decor, and souvenirs.
- Experiences of Light – Join creative workshops in henna painting, lantern decorating, bead threading, and fan weaving.
Adding to the vibrance, the India Colour Art Wall and Art Street projects will turn the festival zones into open-air galleries, merging Indian motifs with Thai craftsmanship — a living canvas of cultural unity.
Connecting Cultures, Inspiring Travel
To welcome Indian travellers, TAT will operate Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali information counters at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports from 16–18 October, offering special privileges, commemorative candles, and festival information. Additional counters at Khlong Ong Ang and Phahurat will enhance visitor engagement through the Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Privilege 2025 program.
The initiative is supported by Nippon Paint Decorative Coating (Thailand), ICONSIAM, and Central Group, underscoring Thailand’s collaborative approach to cultural tourism.
India: A Rising Star in Thailand’s Tourism Story
The Indian travel market continues to flourish, with Thailand welcoming over 1.77 million Indian visitors between January and September 2025, making India one of Thailand’s top five source markets. This growth is driven by enhanced air connectivity and a 60-day visa exemption for Indian tourists — a move that has strengthened both leisure and wedding travel sectors.
Lighting the Path Forward
The Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025 is more than a celebration — it’s a bridge between cultures, a glowing testament to unity in diversity. As Bangkok lights up this October, visitors can expect not only breathtaking visuals but also an emotional connection to the timeless values of faith, joy, and togetherness that define both Thai and Indian traditions.
