Bangkok, Thailand — The 8th International Ganesh Festival – Bangkok 2026 concluded with two days of devotion, cultural celebration, Community Seva and community togetherness at ITCC Function Hall, Sathorn Soi 1, Bangkok, on 19–20 September 2026.
Presented by SKM Media and Indo Thai News, the festival brought together devotees, community leaders, spiritual figures, cultural performers, artists, business leaders, volunteers and distinguished guests from Thailand and India.
The celebration was organised under the leadership of Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Founder and President of the Thai Indian Community and Sanjay Kumar Media, with the vision of bringing people together through devotion, culture, service and community participation.
The two-day programme combined traditional Ganesh rituals with cultural performances, an on-site painting competition, Community Seva initiatives and a ceremonial farewell to Lord Ganesha.
A celebration of devotion, culture and community
The first day of the festival, 19 September, began with Sthapna Puja from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by Aarti and Prasad.
The programme continued with a Special Puja by Guests, Hari Kirtan and an on-site Painting Competition. Ganesh Puja by VIP Guests was followed by the Opening Ceremony and Awards at 3:00 PM.
The afternoon featured a Devotional Cultural Program with music, dance and devotional performances before the day concluded with Aarti, Prasad and High Tea.
The second day, 20 September, focused on Ganesh Puja rituals, Community Seva, a Special Puja by Guests and the concluding ceremonial farewell to Lord Ganesha.
Distinguished guests join the festival
The festival welcomed distinguished guests from diplomatic, spiritual, cultural, business and community backgrounds.
The guests invited for the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony included:
- Shri Navodit Verma, First Secretary (Political), Embassy of India, Bangkok – Chief Guest
- Than Chaowkhun Phra Vithed Vachira Methe, alumnus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), India
- Padam Shree Prof. Dr. Chiraphat Prapandvidya, Sanskrit Scholar, Advisor, Silpakorn University and Thai Bharat Cultural Lodge
- Shree Bhishma Ji Rajaguru, Phraguru Vamadevamuni, Brahmin of the Royal Household
- Shree Sushil Dhanuka, President, ITCC
- Dr. Akhil Kala, CEO, Brasten Group
- Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Founder and President, Thai Indian Community and Sanjay Kumar Media
- Mr. Pawan Mishra, CEO, Indo Thai News
- Ms. Panita Tangsanatana, Advisor, Singapore Business Federation
- Shree KC Agrawal, President, IVF Thailand
- Shree Rajesh Menon
- Shree Rahul Agarwal from Jaipur, India
Their presence added to the spiritual, cultural and community significance of the celebration and reflected the broad support for initiatives that strengthen Thailand–India people-to-people connections.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar leads a community-focused celebration
At the centre of the festival was the vision of Dr. Sanjay Kumar, who led the organisation and community engagement behind the celebration.
As Founder and President of the Thai Indian Community and Sanjay Kumar Media, Dr. Sanjay Kumar has been actively involved in creating platforms that bring communities together through cultural activities and social initiatives.
The 8th International Ganesh Festival was planned not only as a celebration of Lord Ganesha, but also as a platform for cultural exchange, community participation and service.
From religious rituals and cultural performances to Seva activities and opportunities for young people to participate in the painting competition, the festival created space for people of different generations to contribute and celebrate together.
Community Seva: devotion transformed into action
One of the most meaningful highlights of the 8th International Ganesh Festival was Community Seva on Day 2.
With the generous support of friends, partners, sponsors, volunteers and well-wishers, essential rice and food supplies were provided to 200 families in need.
The Seva initiative also extended beyond families who could attend the festival. Support was provided to bedridden individuals, as well as 200 resident students associated with a school for the blind and Thungmahamek School for the Deaf and Dumb.
The Sathorn District Office played an important role in coordinating with families and helping make the Seva initiative possible.
The initiative reflected the organisers’ belief that devotion can extend beyond prayer and celebration into compassion, service and responsibility towards society.
“Seva is not just an activity — it is an expression of compassion, humanity and our shared responsibility towards society.”
The Community Seva initiative became one of the strongest messages of the festival: that a celebration of faith can also create meaningful social impact.
On Day 2, Shree Rajesh Menon, CEO and MD of Emmar International, led the Ganesh rituals and joined partners, sponsors and community members in the Community Seva activities.
His participation added to the collaborative spirit of the festival and highlighted the importance of collective involvement in community initiatives.
The organisers expressed appreciation to all partners, sponsors and community members who contributed to the Seva programme and helped extend its reach beyond the festival venue.
Celebrating young talent through art
The on-site Painting Competition was another important feature of the festival.
Young participants were given an opportunity to express their creativity and devotion through art, creating a vibrant connection between culture, spirituality and artistic expression.
The initiative provided a platform for young talent to participate actively in the celebration while connecting with Indian cultural and religious traditions.
Music, dance and devotional culture
The Devotional Cultural Program brought the festival atmosphere to life through music, dance and devotional performances.
Artists and performers contributed to a programme that celebrated Indian cultural traditions while creating an engaging experience for families and community members.
The performances also highlighted the role of cultural programmes in keeping traditions connected to younger generations and presenting Indian heritage to a wider audience in Thailand.
A heartfelt farewell to Lord Ganesha
The second day concluded with an emotional ceremonial farewell to Lord Ganesha.
Following the festival activities, devotees and community members joined the ceremonial procession and Visarjan Ceremony at Wat Chakrawat on Rama 3 Road.
With prayers in their hearts and “Ganpati Bappa Morya” on their lips, devotees came together to bid farewell to Bappa.
The Visarjan marked the conclusion of the two-day celebration while carrying forward the spirit of devotion, service and togetherness.
For the community, the farewell was not simply the end of the festival, but a reminder that the values represented by Lord Ganesha — faith, wisdom, compassion and unity — continue beyond the celebration.
Strengthening Thailand–India cultural connections
The 8th International Ganesh Festival also served as a platform for strengthening the cultural and community relationship between Thailand and India.
The participation of Thai and Indian community members, spiritual leaders, cultural scholars, diplomatic representatives, business leaders and supporters demonstrated the continuing importance of people-to-people connections between the two countries.
Through religious traditions, cultural performances, community service and shared participation, the festival created an environment where Thai and Indian communities could celebrate together.
The organisers said the festival reflects a broader vision of preserving cultural traditions while creating meaningful opportunities for community engagement in Thailand.
A festival powered by community support
The success of the festival was made possible through the collective contribution of devotees, volunteers, organisers, artists, performers, sponsors, partners, families, supporters and well-wishers.
Special appreciation was extended to the festival’s partners and supporters, including Indo Thai News, Brasten Group, Emmar International and other valued partners and well-wishers who supported the vision of the celebration.
The organisers emphasised that a festival of this scale can only be created through collective effort and participation.
Every contribution — whether through time, talent, resources, performance, volunteering or support — played a role in bringing the celebration together.
Media coverage across Thailand, India and Bangladesh
The 8th International Ganesh Festival – Bangkok 2026 also received significant attention from media organisations across the region.
Media platforms from Thailand, India and Bangladesh covered different aspects of the festival, including the devotional ceremonies, cultural programme, distinguished guests, Community Seva initiatives and the wider Thailand–India community connection.
The coverage helped take the story of the festival beyond Bangkok and introduced its message of Devotion • Seva • Culture • Community to audiences across borders.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to journalists, photographers, media organisations and digital platforms that covered the celebration.
Press images and media coverage
Press photographs from the festival can be viewed in the official media gallery.
Selected media coverage from:
- Thailand
- India
- Bangladesh
https://dainik.bhaskar.com/yG4vozNFB6b?ref=MjAwNDA3MjIwNjQzNjEwMjE0NA%3D%3D
Looking ahead
The 8th International Ganesh Festival – Bangkok 2026 may have concluded, but its message continues through the community initiatives, cultural connections and memories created during the two-day celebration.
From the sacred Ganesh rituals and cultural performances to the Community Seva reaching families and vulnerable members of society, the festival demonstrated how devotion can become a force for community participation and social responsibility.
Under the leadership of Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the celebration brought together people from different backgrounds around a shared spirit of faith, culture and service.
The organisers extended their heartfelt gratitude to every devotee, volunteer, performer, artist, partner, sponsor, guest, family, supporter and well-wisher who contributed to the success of the festival.
The 8th International Ganesh Festival leaves behind a simple but powerful message:
Devotion • Seva • Culture • Community.
As the celebrations come to an end, the community looks forward to welcoming Lord Ganesha again next year.
Ganpati Bappa Morya! 🙏🐘🌺
