Amazing Thailand Festival returns to Kolkata at South City Mall from May 12 to 14
Discover the 5 big Fs — fight, food, film, festival and fashion — of Thailand at this interactive and cultural extravaganza
By
Subhadrika Sen |
Published 13.05.23, 01:54 PM
1/10
The Royal Thai consulate-general Kolkata in association with Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) New Delhi office is hosting the Amazing Thailand Festival 2023 at South City Mall from May 12 to 14 between 11am and 9pm. This walk-in festival is interactive in nature and promotes cultural exchanges between the two countries. One can get a hint of Thai food, fashion, films, festival and fight (martial arts) throughout the three days
Soumyajit Dey
ADVERTISEMENT
2/10
The festival was inaugurated in the presence of Acharapan Yavaprapas, consul–general of Thailand in Kolkata; H.E Pattarat Hongtong, ambassador of Thailand and Siriges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol, director, TAT, New Delhi office
Amit Datta/My Kolkata
3/10
Artists are running daylong demonstrations of umbrella painting, paper cut lanterns and vegetable carvings. One can watch the interesting ways in which everyday objects can be given a completely different shape and beauty. These are used during festivals and special occasions. Trirattanasongpol, director, TAT, New Delhi office said: ‘The festival aims to promote Thai festivals like Songkran or the New Year which is similar to Bengali New Year and Loi Krathong which is similar to Indian Diwali’
Amit Datta/My Kolkata
ADVERTISEMENT
4/10
Live Thai food demonstration of steamed flower-shaped dumplings (Chor Muang) attracted a lot of audience. Food stalls selling Thai products like canned tuna, soft drinks, oils, sauces have been put up. Yavaprapas in her inaugural speech said: ‘Five hotels in Kolkata are organising Thai Food Week at their respective establishments during this time and is serving a specially curated Thai menu, which includes steamed Beckti, stir-fried soft shell crab, mango with sticky rice and more’
Soumyajit Dey
5/10
The Amazing Thai Festival is a platform which gives a hint into the major lifestyle products of Thailand. Whether it be wood carved trays or items of personal hygiene or jewellery made of pearls, accessories and Thai massage balms, one can get them all here for sale
Soumyajit Dey
6/10
A live demonstration of Muay Thai or Thai boxing sent an adrenaline rush among the viewers. The experts even invited visitors to try their hands (read elbows, knees, and luck) in the sport
Amit Datta/My Kolkata
7/10
Thailand is also home to a wonderful repertoire of fabrics which gave way to various fashion choices. A fashion show to end the inauguration night delved deeper into the rich culture of the land
Amit Datta/My Kolkata
8/10
A fun cultural festival is incomplete without a selfie corner. Huge cut-outs welcome you on either side of the pavilion and makes for the perfect photo-ops for your social media. Thailand ambassador Hongtong said how the festival was an important platform for cultural exchange and to learn about the Thai traditions. It’s a platform for strengthening bi-lateral ties between the two countries
Soumyajit Dey
9/10
Tourism forms a major part of the ongoing festival. From knowing how to get your Thailand visa application processed to choosing the right airlines and the right destination visit packages, you would find all the information under one roof. Pick up a brochure, witness the beauty of the place, settle your budget and what more, you have attractive offers for on-spot holiday package bookings. Trirattanasongpol, commented, ‘The festival is aimed for travelers from Kolkata and around. Partners present include Air Asia, Just Holidays, Neptune Tours and Travels and more’
Soumyajit Dey
10/10
A traditional Thai dance greeted the members of the audience during the inauguration programme. Right from the costume to the headgears and props to facial expressions, one was transported to the beautiful country
