Sunny day, lots of smiles and Songkran fun
The fifth edition of the Namaste Thailand Festival recently saw a grand celebration of Songkran, or Thai New Year, at the Royal Thai Embassy in the Capital. Inaugurated by Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of Thailand to India, the vibrant event’s aim was to bring together the cultures of both the nations. Speaking at the occasion, Hongtong said, “Songkran represents washing off misfortunes of the past year and embracing a fresh start. In terms of Indo-Thai relations, Songkran shows how close we are culturally, whether it’s our religious beliefs or water as a symbol for
Similar to Holi, Songkran comes from the Sanskrit word sankranti and is marked by playfully throwing water on each other.
PATTARAT HONGTONG, AMBASSADOR OF THAILAND TO INDIA
purification.”
The festival showcased a number of stalls selling Thai delicacies and traditional crafts like paper lanterns. The highlights of the event were activities such as castle-building at the sand pagoda, water games and a spa session. In addition to that, attendees got to witness a traditional Thai dance performance and an outdoor movie screening, along with participating in a lucky draw contest, all of which ensured it was a lively and memorable evening for all.
The event was attended by several diplomats and dignitaries including Kshenuka Senewiratne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Freddy Svane, Ambassador of Denmark to India, Major General Vetsop Namgyel, Ambassador of Bhutan to India, and Koy Kuong, Ambassador of Cambodia to India.