On 25 May 2025, Ms. Siriporn Tantipanyatep, Consul-General of Thailand in Kolkata, attended the sacred Vesak Puja celebration at Wat Thai Yanviriya as Chief Guest. Organized by Gayanalankar Bhikkhu, Chief Abbot and Founder General Secretary of Ganalankar Buddhist Sangha, the event brought together a distinguished assembly of monastics, including the Most Venerable Dikpal Mahathera, Sangharaja of Bhratiya Sangharaj Bhikkhu Mahasabha, Venerable Wimalananda Mahathera from Melbourne, and senior monks from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Australia, and Thailand. The ceremony began with Consul-General Siriporn hoisting the Dhammacakka flag—a profound symbol of the Buddha’s teachings—followed by solemn chanting, scripture recitations, Dhamma talks from international monks, and a traditional offering of alms. In a gesture of heartfelt generosity, the Royal Thai Consulate-General provided Thai dishes, including Panang Kai, stir-fried fish with ginger, glass noodles, banana in syrup, and vegetarian options, allowing local devotees to experience the warmth and flavor of Thai culture.
Established in 2001 by Gayanalankar Bhikkhu, who trained at Wat Dhammamongkol in Bangkok for over a decade, Wat Thai Yanviriya has become a spiritual beacon in Kolkata. The temple has previously hosted significant events, including the Royal Kathina Robe Offering in 2016, presided over by Mr. Norachit Singhaseni and representing a royal gesture from His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. Vesak Day remains one of the temple’s most important annual events, drawing faithful followers and monastics from across the region. The presence of the Consul-General at this year’s celebration not only honored this shared devotion but also underscored the enduring bond between Thailand and India, a connection rooted in the shared heritage of Buddhism—a bridge of peace, compassion, and mutual respect.