Khon is a Thai classical court masked dance whose history dates back hundreds of years. It employs many aspects of the arts: drama, dance, pantomime, and music. The costumes are elaborate, including decorated headdresses or crowns and full-head masks, which is the most distinctive characteristic of this performance. Furthermore, Khon is a unique performance, especially when every aspect of the arts is combined for performing the story of the Ramakien-the Thai epic adapted from the Ramayana,
the Indian epic.
Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata in collaboration with The Royal Thai Consulate General in Kolkata and the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi, organised the “Namaste Thailand Festival 2025: The Khon Performance”—a captivating celebration of Thailand’s rich cultural legacy. This unforgettable event took place today, at the iconic Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata. This year’s Namaste Thailand Festival offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience Khon as it was meant to be seen—by the master artists of Thailand’s Department of Fine Arts, Ministry of Culture, who will bring its ancient magic to life in all its splendour.
Ms. Siriporn Tantipanyathep, Consul-General of Thailand in Kolkata, emphasized, “Namaste Thailand Festival 2025: The Khon Performance is not just a celebration of Thailand’s cultural beauty but also an opportunity to deepen the bonds of friendship and mutual appreciation between Thailand and India.
We hope this extraordinary showcase will resonate with audiences, inspiring admiration for the enduring charm of Khon and its universal values.”
Secretary and Curator, Victoria Memorial Hall – Shri Samarendra Kumar said, ” Victoria Memorial Hall, which is one of the most visited museums in the country is also designated as a cultural space – Sanskriti Para by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. As a vibrant cultural space, VMH is dedicated to enabling societal engagement through visual, performing and literary arts. VMH aims to reclaim public space, democratize the arts, and foster cultural exchange with international partners to showcase intangible cultural heritage. The Khon performance represents the continuum of India’s rich culture across Asia and the timeless cultural connections between India and Thailand.”
