Durga Puja in Bangkok / Thailand

Durga Puja, one of the most celebrated festivals in Bengal (deemed a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage), has found a vibrant home in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand. Over the years, this grand festival has become a cultural bridge, connecting the Indian expatriate community with locals who wish to experience the rich traditions and customs of Durga Puja. This page explores the history and ongoing celebrations of Durga Puja across Thailand, including the prominent Puja organized by Bharati, the Bengali Association of Thailand.

History of Durga Puja in Bangkok Before Bharati

Before Bharati formalized the Bengali community’s Durga Puja celebrations in Bangkok, smaller, more informal gatherings took place among the Bengali expatriates. These early celebrations were often organized in private homes, bringing together Bengalis who longed for the traditions of their homeland.

While these initial gatherings were small, they served as a foundation for building community ties among the growing Bengali population in Bangkok. As more Bengali expatriates moved to Thailand during the 1970s and 80s, there was an increasing desire for a more organized and larger-scale Durga Puja. This led to the establishment of Bharati in 1986, and the association held its first public Durga Puja celebration in 1993 ​(Wikipedia)​(Thailand Foundation).

Durga Puja at Bharati in Bangkok

Bharati, the Bengali Association of Thailand, has been hosting one of the largest Durga Puja celebrations in Bangkok since 1993. The Puja is held annually at the India Thai Chamber of Commerce (ITCC) and is a key event for both the Indian and expatriate communities in Thailand.

Bharati’s Durga Puja offers a vibrant mix of traditional rituals, cultural performances, and community activities. Visitors can participate in religious rituals such as Pushpanjali, Arati, and Sindur Khela, which are integral to the festival. The celebration is also known for its delicious Bhog, offering traditional Bengali food to the community.

For more details, visit our Puja & Events Venue page. To stay connected and learn more about Bharati’s activities online, visit Bharati on the Web.

Durga Puja at Sri Maha Mariamman Temple (Wat Khaek Silom)

Another important venue for Durga Puja celebrations in Bangkok is the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple (Wat Khaek Silom), which primarily serves the South Indian community in Thailand. The temple holds its own Navaratri festival, which includes aspects of Durga Puja, celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. The temple’s vibrant rituals, including a procession, draw people from across Thailand and serve as a cultural hub for the South Indian community.

Other Durga Pujas Across Thailand

In addition to Bangkok, several other cities in Thailand are also home to Durga Puja celebrations, organized by smaller Indian communities. While Bharati’s celebration in Bangkok is one of the most prominent, other regions such as Pattaya and Phuket have started organizing their own Durga Pujas, offering a more localized experience. These celebrations reflect the diversity within the Indian diaspora, incorporating various regional customs and traditions alongside Bengali rituals.

The Religious and Cultural Significance of Durga Puja in Thailand

In Thailand, Durga Puja, known as ทุรกาบูชา (EN: Thurka-Bucha) in Thai, reflects the deep-rooted presence of Indian culture and traditions, especially within the Indian diaspora. Over time, Durga Puja has evolved into a celebration that not only preserves Bengali traditions but also welcomes participation from local Thai communities. The festival is held to honor Goddess Durga, symbolizing her victory over the demon Mahishasura, representing the triumph of good over evil​.

Durga Puja in Thailand is not just a religious event but also a cultural celebration that brings together people from diverse backgrounds. It provides a platform for Bengalis and other Indians to share their culture with locals, creating a unique blend of traditions. The festival showcases not only the religious rituals of Bengal but also its art, music, and food, making it an essential cultural event in Thailand.

In 2016, for instance, Durga Puja celebrations coincided with the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and the Bengali community adapted its celebrations to honor both their tradition and Thailand’s national mourning. The event was covered by Al Jazeera, juxtaposing the emotions of loss in Thailand with the joy of Durga Puja​.

For tourists, Durga Puja has also become a cultural attraction. Travel companies like Thomas Cook offer special holiday packages to experience Durga Puja in Thailand, giving international visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.

A Visual Journey: Durga Puja Through Photography

Durga Puja in Bangkok is not only a religious event but also a spectacular visual celebration. The vibrant colors, ornate decorations, and cultural performances are beautifully captured in a SOPA Images gallery that showcases the energy and devotion of the Bengali community in Thailand.

The photographs offer a detailed look at the intricacies of the celebrations, from the elaborately designed pandals to the heartfelt participation of the local and expatriate communities. For those who cannot attend, these images provide an immersive experience of the festival, highlighting how the traditions of Bengal have seamlessly blended with the local Thai culture in Bangkok.

You can explore these captivating moments in the SOPA Images gallery.

Practical Insights: Durga Puja as Seen by Visitors

According to a traveler’s account on Team-BHP, Durga Puja in Bangkok offers a remarkable blend of religious devotion and cultural immersion. The celebration attracts not only the Indian diaspora but also curious tourists, who are drawn to the vibrant atmosphere. The India Thai Chamber of Commerce (ITCC) becomes a bustling hub of activity during the festival, with beautifully decorated pandals, cultural performances, and food stalls offering traditional Bengali cuisine.

For more details, check out the full account on Team-BHP.