Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Thailand visit, watched the Thai version of the Ramayana, ‘Ramakien.’ He shared pictures of the performance on his X handle. PM Modi called it a ‘valuable experience’ and highlighted the unique cultural relationship between the two countries. The Ramayana was presented by dancer Ekkalak Nu-ngoen, along with a group of students from the Faculty of Music and Drama, Bunditpatanasilpa Institute. They showcased the retelling of the epic through the fusion of two dance forms: Bharatanatyam from India and Khon from Thailand.

PM Modi asserted that the Ramayana continues to weave spiritual and traditional ties across many parts of Asia. Sharing photographs from the event, PM Modi wrote on X, “A unique cultural relationship! Watching the captivating Ramayana performance was a valuable experience, beautifully showcasing the shared cultural and civilisational ties between India and Thailand. The Ramayana continues to weave spiritual and traditional ties across many parts of Asia.”

The Ramayana is considered one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the other being the Mahabharata. The timeless epic narrates the life of Lord Rama, the prince of Ayodhya including his 14 years of exile to the forest. Interestingly, the Ramayana holds a very special significance both in India and Thailand. In the Thai adaptation, Lord Rama becomes Phra Ram.

Both versions, gives us the message of virtues of sacrifice, duty, devotion, and triumph of good over evil. This epic stands as an example of shared cultural heritage between India and Thailand.

PM Modi is in Thailand for his two-day visit. He arrived at the hotel in Bangkok on Thursday and witnessed Garba performance. He received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora and members of the Indian community upon his arrival. PM will attend BIMSTEC Leaders’ Summit in Bangkok.