Durga Puja at Vishnu Temple – A Blissful Experience in Bangkok
By Dr. Manisha Bose
Durga Puja is celebrated with great devotion and grandeur at the Vishnu Temple in Silom, Bangkok. This temple, over 120 years old, stands as a spiritual landmark for the Indian community and has also become a sacred space for many Thai devotees. During Navratri—the nine auspicious nights dedicated to the Divine Mother the temple comes alive with rituals, prayers, and a vibrant yet deeply spiritual atmosphere.
The celebrations are enriched by traditions brought directly from India. Renowned artists are invited from Kolkata to present devotional performances, while learned pandits are flown in from Benares to conduct the archana and daily pujas. For nine days, the temple resonates with the sound of mantras, bells, and bhajans, making every visitor feel part of something timeless and divine.
Though the Durga Pooja is being conducted in this temple since 2004 , I first attended this puja about four years ago, and since then, I make it a point to visit every year, even if only for a day or two depending on my work schedule. Although I have not yet witnessed the evening festivities, the mornings themselves are profoundly blissful. The beautifully adorned statue of Goddess Durga, flanked by her divine family, radiates power and serenity. Depicted in the classic form vanquishing the demon Mahishasura the Goddess stands as a symbol of victory of good over evil. If one arrives around 11:30 a.m., it is possible to participate in the aarti and offer anjali, which makes the experience even more personal and fulfilling.
What makes this temple truly special is the warmth of its people. Devotees and volunteers welcome everyone with folded hands in the humble Indian tradition of namaste. They insist on offering tea or water, a gesture of genuine hospitality that is both touching and rare. At lunchtime, a simple yet delicious meal is served as prasad to all visitors, further enhancing the sense of community and sharing.
Despite the large crowds hundreds of people walk in every day during the nine days , the temple remains remarkably well maintained and impeccably clean. Equally heartwarming is the presence of Thai locals who participate with the same devotion as Indian worshippers. This confluence of cultures, bound by reverence for the Divine Mother, enriches the celebration and makes Durga Puja at Vishnu Temple a truly unique spiritual experience in Bangkok.
By Dr. Manisha Bose
Lecturer, Assumption University
Founder: We-Women Network
