India and Thailand Honor Cultural Connections in Bangkok
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Synopsis
The Embassy of India in Bangkok celebrated Indo-Thai cultural ties with a Khon dance and Sitar recital as part of SAMVAD-IV. The event showcased rich cultural exchanges between the two nations, emphasizing their historical connections and shared heritage.
Key Takeaways
- Khon dance and Sitar recital highlight Indo-Thai cultural ties.
- Event part of SAMVAD-IV, emphasizing cultural heritage.
- Khon recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- Prime Minister Modi remarks on historical bonds over 2,000 years.
- Asian Century theme underscores social values alongside economic growth.
Bangkok, Feb 15 (NationPress) In a remarkable exhibition of Indo-Thai cultural heritage, the Embassy of India in Bangkok hosted a Khon dance performance and a Sitar recital to honor the cultural bonds between the two countries. This event was part of SAMVAD-IV, taking place in Thailand.
The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Embassy of India in Bangkok showcased the Khon dance, which is a Thai adaptation of the Ramayana, performed by a troupe led by Khwanfa Phoophangsute, alongside a Sitar recital by Noparuj Satjawan. This cultural performance occurred during ‘Samvad-IV – The Asian Century of Dharma – Dhamma’ at the Rembrandt Hotel in Bangkok last Friday, as indicated by a post from ICCR in Thailand on X.
Khon is a traditional masked dance drama in Thailand recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This performing art integrates musical, vocal, literary, dance, ritual, and handicraft dimensions.
The dance portrays the life of Lord Ram, detailing his exile in the forest, alliance with Hanuman’sThosakan, the giant king. It exemplifies a seamless blend of music, dance, and ritualistic practices, illustrating the rich cultural exchanges and historical links between India and Thailand.
During the SAMVAD event on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed participants virtually, emphasizing the profound cultural connections between India and Thailand, which have persisted for over 2,000 years. He highlighted the significance of Asian traditions in promoting peace and harmony. He remarked, “The Ramayan and Ramakien bond us, and our common respect for Bhagwan Buddha unites us. Last year, when India sent sacred relics of Bhagwan Buddha to Thailand, billions of devotees paid homage.”
This year's SAMVAD theme focuses on the Asian Century, often associated with Asia’s economic ascent. However, PM Modi noted that the Asian Century encompasses not only economic value but also social values.
The relationship between India and Thailand is deeply rooted in history, characterized by long-standing social and cultural exchanges along with extensive people-to-people connections. The shared Buddhist heritage is evident through regular pilgrimages from Thailand to significant Buddhist sites in India. Moreover, various elements of Hindu culture are distinctly visible in Thai architecture, arts, sculpture, dance, drama, and literature.
