From 3 to 6 November 2024, Ms. Siriporn Tantipanyathep, Consul-General of Thailand in Kolkata, took part in a series of significant religious activities in Bodhgaya, marking the Kathina festival season. This annual Buddhist celebration, which occurs at the conclusion of the rainy season, is a time for Buddhist devotees to offer alms, especially new robes, to monks in a gesture of gratitude and reverence.

The Consul-General’s visit highlighted the proactive role of Thailand’s Buddhist diplomacy in strengthening cultural ties, fostering mutual understanding, and deepening the bonds between Thailand and India, particularly within the Buddhist communities. The following meaningful activities were observed and carried out during her visit:

(1) Offering of Royal Kahina Robe graciously offered by His Majesty the King of Thailand at the Royal Thai Monastery, Bodhgaya;

(2) Volunteer Dahlia and Marygold Flowers Plantings at the main entrance of Mahabodhi Temple, and Royal Thai Monastery in honor of the upcoming 5^th December Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. This gesture was a tribute to His Majesty’s legacy, symbolizing heartfelt respect for the late King’s contributions to both Thailand and the global Buddhist communities;

(3) Offering Kathina Robes to 700 international monks at the Mahabodhi Temple. This significant event serves as an important moment for international Buddhist communities to come together in collective merit-making;

(4) Merit-making ceremony in celebration of the 70^th birthday anniversary for Venerable Phra Dhambodhivong, Chief Abbot of the Royal Thai Monastery and Chairperson of Thai Buddhist Missionaries in India and Nepal; (5) Visit to Navamindra Dhammikaraj Temple, Nawada, Bihar along with Venerable Chaoprakhun Somdet Phra Mahadhiracarya, Chief Abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, Bangkok, and Chief Superintendent of the Northern Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction; and (6) Offering of Thai food to the monks who serve in the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) as a gesture of goodwill and solidarity.          

Thailand’s participation in the Kathina festival reflects its ongoing commitment to Buddhist diplomacy, strengthening cultural ties and promoting peace with India and the global Buddhist communities, emphasizing values of compassion, respect, and collaboration across borders.