"Khon Ramakien" brings alive the Ramayana in Thai style

New Delhi, Aug 10 (UNI) Ravana's abduction of Sita and the battle between Rama and Ravana came alive on stage during a performance of the "Khon Ramakien", the famous Thai mask dance based on the Indian epic "Ramayana" here last evening.

The performance was part of the cultural events being held to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Thailand.

"India and Thailand have become strong allies as they have many similarities in different fields," said Chirasak Thanesnant, Thai Ambassador to India on the occasion.

Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Princess of Thailand, highlighted the political, economic and cultural relations between both countries while inaugurating the dance performance.

"Khon Ramakien'' features Phra Ram(Rama), Sida(Sita) and Totsakan(Ravana) as the main protagonists. The epic became popular in Thailand during 11th-13th centuries A.D in the oral form. It was compiled in the written form only in 1775.

Due to paucity of time, only a select few episodes like the abduction of "Sida" and the final battle between "Phra Ram" and the demon king "Totsakan" were performed here.

"The Thai Ramayana is not the only form of closeness with India.

Indians had contributed substantially in the social and economic development of Thailand,'' Chirasak said. He also noted that the economic relations between the two countries had further strengthened with India's partnership with the ASEAN and the membership of ASEAN regional forum(ARF) in recent years.

The Thai Princess paid tribute to the 9th King of Thailand, Bhomibol Adulyadej with a song and music programme, "The Khon Overture", created by her on traditional Thai musical instruments--Saw-Dua-Ng, Jakhay, Wong Maho-Ri and Rana-T Thum.

Indian Sitar maestro Padma Vibhushan Pandit Debu Chaudhuri also performed on the occasion. Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi and Panchayati Raj Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar were also present.

UNI