Bangkok went Bollywood in a big way.
By Tom McLean
The first-ever Bollywood Bazaar was a landmark celebration of the Thai-Indian society. Taking place at the lush outdoor gardens of EmQuartier from the 7th to the 11th of October, the five-day event brought out an incredible number of visitors and talented vendors who made use of the opportunity to share their home-grown wares.
The event kicked off with a skilfully choreographed Ganesh Blessing Dance and Ramakian performance before moving onto striking fashion shows by Anjali Thakral, PAVNI, June Fifth by Bonny, Suwannee by Sam, ADAA, and Neena Sehgal over the next few days.
In addition to spectacular fashion, the event also featured talented live music interludes and dance performances as well as electrifying Bollywood beats dropped by DJ Xunny Dey and DJ Sajan.
Filled with the colourful sights of participants dressed to the nines in vibrant Indian clothing, the enchanting strains of traditional music, and delightful smells of freshly-prepared Indian dishes, there was something for everyone at the gathering. Face painting and other fun activities kept kids entertained while adults enjoyed the live shows and perused the various stalls, with an optional snack and drink in hand.
Boasting a friendly and bustling atmosphere, what truly made this occasion standout was the amount of homespun Indian businesses that were present. The stalls showcased the versatility and innovation of the community, with a wealth of options to sample and view, encompassing food, drinks, fashion, art, and more.
Overall, the Bollywood Bazaar did a fantastic job of uniting Bangkok’s Indian diaspora while commemorating the beauty of diversity and heritage. Guests met with old friends and made new ones, with engaging conversations across the board. The event was an unprecedented success thanks to Jasmine Ruanglertbutr and her team at JR Events, who ensured that attendees were kept thoroughly entertained from start to finish, and eager for more.
