” Thai Food Festival in Odisha” to celebrate Songkran: traditional Thai & Odia New Year
By : PARTHA ROY
The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kolkata will organize “Thai Food Festival in Odisha”to celebrate Songkran –traditional Thai New Year during 12 -21 April 2024 at Mayfair Lagoon, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The Festival will be inaugurated on Friday 12th April 2024 by Ms. Siriporn Tantipanyathep, new Consul-General of Thailand in Kolkata followed by exquisite Thai cultural performances and a Thai food reception.
The Festival aims to bring Thai and Indian peoples closer to each other through culinary cultures. Thai and Indian cuisines share many similarities such as the art of making curry pastes, and use of spices and coconut milk. Thai cuisine has health benefits similar to India’s concept of Ayurveda. Thai dishes tell the story of history and culture of Thai people.
Songkran – Traditional Thai New Year, will be celebrated during 13-15 April 2024 . In Odisha, Pana Sankranti traditional Odia New Year will be celebrated during same period.
Recently , Songkran Festival in Thailand has been inscribed as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by the UNESCO in 2023.
During Songkran, bathing of Buddha statue and pouring water are significant acts symbolizing cleansing, reverence and good fortune. Thai people visit their families, pay respects to elders, and enjoy feasting to celebrate Songkran.
