Kolkata, 5th February 2025 – Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata in collaboration with The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kolkata and the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi, is honored to present the “Namaste Thailand Festival 2025: The Khon Performance”—a captivating celebration of Thailand’s rich cultural legacy. This unforgettable event will take place on Monday, 10 February 2025, at the iconic Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata. It will showcase Khon, Thailand’s extraordinary masked dance-drama, which was recognized by UNESCO in 2018 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Khon: A Timeless Masterpiece of Thai Performing Arts
Khon is not just a performance; it is a living testament to Thailand’s artistic soul, an embodiment of centuries-old traditions that combine music, dance, storytelling, and intricate craftsmanship. Through graceful choreography, vivid costumes, and compelling narratives drawn from the Ramakien—Thailand’s version of the Indian Ramayana—Khon weaves a tale of heroism, devotion, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

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.

Message from Consul-General of Thailand in Kolkata
Ms. Siriporn Tantipanyathep, Consul-General of Thailand in Kolkata, emphasized,
“Namaste Thailand Festival 2025: The Khon Performance is not just a celebration of Thailand’s cultural beauty but also an opportunity to deepen the bonds of friendship and mutual appreciation between Thailand and India. We hope this extraordinary showcase will resonate with audiences, inspiring admiration for the enduring charm of Khon and its universal values.”

Message from the Secretary and Curator, Victoria Memorial Hall – Shri Samarendra Kumar
Victoria Memorial Hall, which is one of the most visited museums in the country is also designated as a cultural space – Sanskriti Para by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. As a vibrant cultural space, VMH is dedicated to enabling societal engagement through visual, performing and literary arts. VMH aims to reclaim public space, democratize the arts, and foster cultural exchange with international partners to showcase intangible cultural heritage. The Khon performance represents the continuum of India’s rich culture across Asia and the timeless cultural connections between India and Thailand.

A Celebration of Shared Cultural Heritage
This event is not merely a celebration of Thailand’s cultural richness but also a powerful testament to the profound connections between Thailand and India – two nations whose histories have been intertwined for centuries.

The Ramakien, the foundation of the Khon performance, is rooted in the Indian Ramayana, illustrating the deep, shared bond between these two rich civilizations. Khon is a living bridge between them, a celebration of shared mythologies, values, and traditions that have shaped both cultures.

The Namaste Thailand Festival 2025 is a beautiful reflection of the way art transcends borders, uniting people across time and space. It is a celebration of the enduring ties that bind Thailand and India, demonstrating how cultural exchange continues to bring us closer together in ways that words alone cannot.

An Invitation to Experience Cultural Splendor
Whether you are an art aficionado, a culture enthusiast, or someone simply seeking a memorable evening, the Namaste Thailand Festival 2025 promises to be an extraordinary experience. The Khon Performance is a rare opportunity to witness one of Thailand’s most revered art forms in its most authentic and mesmerizing form. This is more than a performance—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the heart of Thai cultural heritage.

Admission: While the performance is free, seat availability is on a first-come-first-served basis.

Mark your calendars and join us on 10 February 2025, for an enchanting evening at Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata —a night where the magic of Thailand’s cultural heritage will come alive before your eyes.

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