Connecting Cultures: Language Exchange and Festivals as Celebrations of Diversity

On January 17, 2025, students of Grade 9 from Choithram School Manikbagh participated in an enriching videoconference with their peers from Mathayom Watmai Krongthong School in Thailand. The session began with video presentations showcasing the co-curricular activities of both schools. Students from Choithram School delivered engaging presentations on prominent Indian festivals, including Holi, Ganesh Utsav, Navratri, Diwali, Dussehra, and Raksha Bandhan. In turn, their Thai peers highlighted significant festivals in Thailand, such as Songkran, Loy Krathong, Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Vegetarian Festival (Tesagen Gin Je), Visakha Bucha Day, and The Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Raek Na Khwan). Both groups explained the cultural and spiritual significance of these festivals, providing valuable insights into their traditions.

In a gesture of cultural exchange, students taught each other basic greetings in their native languages – Hindi and Thai. The session also featured a delightful musical interlude: a student from Choithram School performed an English song, while a student from Mathayom Watmai Krongthong School taught Indian students a few traditional Thai dance steps. The Q&A session fostered further connection as students shared similarities in their school routines, breaking cultural barriers and deepening their understanding of each other’s lifestyles. The session concluded with heartfelt expressions of gratitude from both sides, emphasizing mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s cultures.