Celebrate Deepawali 2024 in Bangkok: Traditions, Festivities, and Top Worship Spots
In Ticy City’s view, Thais are embracing Indian festivals more than ever as the world draws closer together. Festivals like Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Navratri are now celebrated here, as spiritual writer Nai Mu has explored in his work. Each of these events has its own allure and vibrant charm. Nai Mu points out that one festival gaining recent traction in Thailand is “Deepawali,” or the Indian New Year, celebrated with beautiful lights and open to all faiths, each bringing its own legends and customs. Beyond lighting lamps, some families even create “Rangoli,” colorful designs made specially for the occasion.
Here’s Nai Mu’s take on a night filled with light—the “Deepawali (Diwali)” festival in Ticy City.
Deepawali, meaning “row of lamps” in Hindi, comes from “Di” (lamp) and “Avali” (rows). During the festival, Indians place lamps in beautiful rows outside their homes to push away darkness and any inauspicious influences, symbolizing light’s victory over darkness.
A New Year Begins!
In 2024, Deepawali falls on Thursday, October 31, bringing a glow of lights to every corner. In neighborhoods with strong Indian communities, you’ll hear fireworks and see the sky light up for the New Year. Children wave sparklers, adding to the festive spirit. One of the core celebrations is honoring goddess Lakshmi with red lotuses, her symbol, which on this day are in high demand and often pricey.
In the days leading up to the festival, families work together to thoroughly clean their homes, preparing to welcome the goddess Lakshmi and the New Year. This is similar to the Chinese tradition of sprucing up homes for the Lunar New Year, preparing for the arrival of the god of wealth, Cai Shen Ye. Thais also often clean before Songkran.
Deepawali: The 5-Day Celebration
Deepawali stretches over five days, each with unique significance:
- Dhanteras – Honoring “Dhanvantari,” the deity of Ayurveda and medicine, celebrated as “National Ayurveda Day” since 2016.
- Naraka Chaturdashi – Marks the day Lord Krishna defeated the asura Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
- Lakshmi Puja – The main day, when families arrange lamps in stunning displays to welcome goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing fortune.
- Goverdhan Puja – Inspired by Lord Krishna’s guidance to worship Mount Govardhan, this day represents prosperity and protection. Businesses also open new accounting books for good fortune on this day.
- Bhai Dooj – Celebrates the sibling bond, with blessings for a long life and joy.
Each region may add its unique lore, celebrating goddess Lakshmi’s birth, her marriage to Lord Vishnu, or the return of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.
Bangkok’s Deepawali Celebration
Bangkok began its Deepawali events in 2022 under Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, partnering with various Indian organizations, led by the Indian Association of Thailand. The event, held near Ong Ang Canal close to Phahurat (Thailand’s “Little India”), celebrates Indian culture and tourism, drawing in Thais and visitors alike for the past two years.
With Deepawali just around the corner, it’s time to start fresh. Lighting a lamp this season brings the belief that goddess Lakshmi might visit, showering blessings of luck and wealth. For those looking to worship in Bangkok, popular spots include the 4th floor of Gaysorn Plaza (Ratchaprasong), Central Ladprao, Fortune Town (Ratchadaphisek), Wat Phai Ngoen Chotinaram (Chan Road), Dev Mandir Hindu Samaj (Giant Swing), Hindu Dharma Sabha – Vishnu Mandir Bangkok (Sathorn), and Sri Mahamariamman Temple Bangkok (Wat Khaek Silom).
This year’s first auspicious moment starts on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 5:22 PM, lasting until Friday, November 1, at 7:46 PM. Let the bright lights of Deepawali bring us together.
Happy Deepawali—may you be blessed with joy, luck, and everything your heart desires!
— Nai Mu
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