A 15-member delegation from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited the esteemed Sri Sri Jagannath Temple in Dibrugarh on Thursday, marking a pivotal moment in cultural diplomacy between India and Thailand. The delegation, led by Kiran Moongtin, the minister for South Asian, Middle Eastern, and African Affairs, comprised senior officials from Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency, academics, tourism and wellness representatives, and diplomats from the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi.
This visit held special significance as the delegation participated in prayers across all eight shrines within the temple complex, showcasing their profound respect for Hindu traditions and local customs. Moongtin expressed admiration, stating, “The sanctity of the temple and devotion of the local community here is truly inspiring. The warm hospitality we have received exemplifies the deep cultural connection between the two nations. We feel deeply honoured to have experienced such warmth and spirituality.”
The Sri Sri Jagannath Cultural Trust warmly welcomed the guests, with trustee Dip Chasa leading the reception alongside fellow trustees Atmaram Agarwal, Pankaj Sobor, and Probal Das. They offered Mahaprasad — a sacred food blessed by Lord Jagannath — paired with light refreshments, which the delegation greatly appreciated.
The visit is particularly significant in the context of longstanding India-Thailand relations, which have historical roots in Buddhist and Hindu cultural exchanges. Thailand’s large Hindu population and the presence of numerous temples have helped bridge cultural ties between the two nations. The delegation concluded their visit by expressing gratitude and reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cultural ties through ongoing spiritual exchanges.
Vijay Khemani, secretary of the Sri Sri Jagannath Cultural Trust, emphasized the visit’s importance, noting, “This marks a proud moment of international recognition for the temple and a step forward in promoting global harmony through shared traditions.”
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/thai-team-lauds-sanctity-devotion-at-jagannath-temple-after-visit/articleshow/122669810.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-07-18 03:00:00
