The “Namaste Thailand Festival 2025: The Khon Performance” is a mesmerizing celebration of Thailand‘s rich cultural heritage, presented by Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata in partnership with the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kolkata and the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi. The renowned Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata will host this remarkable event on Monday, February 10, 2025. It will feature the remarkable masked dance-drama from Khon, Thailand, which was named an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2018.

Khon is more than simply a show; it is a manifestation of centuries-old customs that blend dance, music, narrative, and fine craftsmanship, and it is a living tribute to Thailand’s artistic spirit. Khon tells a story of bravery, dedication, and the never-ending conflict between good and evil using exquisite choreography, vibrant costumes, and gripping storylines taken from the Ramakien, Thailand’s adaptation of the Indian Ramayana.

At the heart of Khon lies the epic journey of Rama, an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, as he battles to restore justice and peace to the world. His exile, his alliance with mighty monkey warriors, and his fierce confrontations with the demon king Thotsakan are brought to life with every intricate gesture, every mask, every movement. Far from being just entertainment, Khon is a reflection of Thailand’s deepest values—honor, courage, respect, and the triumph of light over darkness.

For centuries, Khon has flourished within Thailand’s royal courts, standing as the pinnacle of artistic excellence. Even today, it continues to inspire, teaching lessons of leadership, resilience, and the enduring power of cultural heritage. This year’s Namaste Thailand Festival offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience Khon as it was meant to be seen—by the master artists of Thailand’s Department of Fine Arts, Ministry of Culture, who will bring its ancient magic to life in all its splendor.

 In addition to celebrating Thailand’s cultural diversity, this event serves as a potent reminder of the close ties that exist between Thailand and India, two countries whose histories have been entwined for centuries.

The Indian Ramayana serves as the inspiration for the Ramakien, demonstrating the close ties that bind these two illustrious civilizations. A celebration of the common mythologies, ideals, and customs that have influenced both nations, Khon serves as a live link between them.

The Namaste Thailand Festival 2025 is a stunning illustration of how art unites people from all walks of life. It is a celebration of the long-lasting bonds between Thailand and India, showing how cross-cultural interactions continue to strengthen our bonds in ways that words cannot.

Although admission is free, seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Make sure to mark February 10, 2025, on your calendars for an unforgettable evening at Kolkata’s Victoria Memorial Hall, where the enchantment of Thailand’s cultural legacy will be brought to life.

Priyanka Dutta