Akshata Sawant, Event Head of Maharashtrian Mandal, takes us through the inner workings of this close-knit yet dynamic community

Ever taken a closer look at any global Indian community and wondered what brings them together? It’s simple—a feeling of belonging rooted in a deep desire to find home in people and places of like-minded individuals who share a deeper love and understanding for their roots and events of relevance. A similar sentiment led to the formation of what we know today as the Maharashtrian Mandal — a thriving community established to unite Maharashtrian families living in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, who had relocated for work or settled here over the years.

“Marathi families would gather informally in each other’s homes to celebrate festivals like Gudhi Padwa, Ganesh Chaturthi, Shivaji Jayanti, and Diwali. These intimate celebrations laid the groundwork for a more structured and vibrant community,” begins Akshata Sawant. Today, the Mandal boasts 150+ registered families (around 300–350 members) spread across Bangkok, Pattaya, and Rayong.

The committee is run by a core team comprising Akshata Sawant (Event Head), supported by Laxmi Bhat and Smita Badve,Tanvi Desai (IT & Social Media Marketing), Anil Deshmukh and Dinesh Namjoshi (Finance), Hrishikesh Pradhan,Rohit Pawar,Pankaj Dere, and Ajita Phatak (Coordination & Registrations), Aparna Waikar and Anagha Pradhan (Decorations).

LESS OF A COMMITTEE AND MORE OF A CULTURAL BRIDGE

The Maharashtra Mandal is more than just an organisation—it’s a cultural bridge that keeps Marathi traditions alive in Thailand. “From the rhythmic beats of dhol-tasha during Ganesh Utsav to the joyous Lavani performances at Diwali gatherings, every event is a vibrant celebration of Maharashtra’s rich heritage,” shares Akshata. “The community also organises Marathi language classes for younger generations, ensuring that the mother tongue thrives even miles away from home.”

A COMMUNITY ACROSS AGES AND GENERATIONS

What makes the Mandal truly special is its diversity—families who have called Bangkok home for over 40 years mingle with newborns just beginning their journey here. This intergenerational bond adds a unique warmth to every gathering.

Whether it’s grandparents sharing stories of old times or kids performing dances to the latest trending songs, the Mandal fosters a sense of belonging for all ages.

“For many of us, Bangkok isn’t just a city — it’s a second home. Once you experience its vibrant culture, welcoming spirit, and tight-knit Marathi community, leaving becomes unthinkable. The friendships forged here, the festivals celebrated together, and the memories created make Bangkok more than just a place — it’s a feeling that stays with you forever,” opines Akshata.

Through cultural events, festivals, and social initiatives, the Maharashtra Mandal continues to strengthen the bonds of the Marathi community in Thailand — preserving traditions while fostering new connections.

ANNUAL EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS

The community hosts a volley of major events each year to strengthen bonds and share their heritage:

Maharashtra Din: A Cultural Spectacle

“Every year on Maharashtra Day, we transform Bangkok into a mini-Maharashtra! The air fills with the aroma of authentic Maharashtrian cuisine as we showcase our rich heritage through colourful folk dances, traditional music, and captivating storytelling sessions,” says Akshata. It’s a day when generations come together — elders share nostalgic memories of their homeland, while wide-eyed children discover the beauty of their roots through interactive cultural activities.

Ganapati Festival: Divine Energy, Earthly Joy

When the dhol beats begin echoing through Bangkok’s streets, you know Bappa has arrived! Speaking of the same, Akshata says, “The rhythmic chants of ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’ fused with dhol drums and traditional aartis, create a deeply spiritual and soulful atmosphere under the Thai skies. The visarjan procession becomes a moving carnival of music and dance.But, the magic truly happens when our Thai friends join in — their first bite of modak, their attempts at Marathi greetings, and their joyful participation make this a truly cross-cultural celebration!”

Diwali: Lights, Camera, Cultural Magic!

The mandal’s Diwali gala features breathtaking performances by renowned artists from India’s cultural scene, electrifying fusion shows blending Marathi folk arts with Thai elements, and interactive workshops where kids create traditional lanterns and rangolis.

“The evening sparkles not just with diyas, but with the shared joy of a community coming together. Each year, we reinvent Diwali—making it not just a festival, but a cultural experience that lingers in hearts long after the lights dim. These celebrations are more than events — they’re living bridges connecting our past to our future, and Maharashtra to Thailand.”

MARATHI SCHOOL AND GLOBAL OUTREACH

In our efforts to preserve the Marathi language and culture, we are working on establishing a Marathi school. This will serve as a platform for younger generations to learn the language and stay connected to their roots. We’re also looking forward to the Marathi Global Conference, where people from around the world come together to share experiences, ideas, and discuss the future of the global Marathi community.

A GROWING CHALLENGE: COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

As the Maharashtrian community remains small, Akshata highlights how the Mandal often faces challenges in securing investments and resources to support programs and events.“Despite these challenges, we remain committed to preserving and promoting our cultural heritage — it’s about looking at the bigger picture at the end of the day,” she concludes, her eyes gleaming as she dives into a journey that is both personal and purposeful.

A LEGACY OF SERVICE: EXTENDING OUR CULTURAL VALUES TO SOCIAL IMPACT

“Beyond preserving our rich Marathi heritage, the Maharashtra Mandal has proudly woven social responsibility into the fabric of our community. We believe true culture extends beyond celebrations into compassionate action.

During critical times, we’ve mobilised to help stranded Indian students return home safely. Our partnership with Indrayani Hospital reflects our commitment to supporting cancer patients through financial aid. When floods devastated Thai communities, our members were among the first to organize relief efforts. Even our joyous Ganpati festival carries a purpose beyond celebration — every donation collected is carefully directed to reputable charitable organizations across Thailand.

These initiatives embody our deepest values: that cultural preservation and community service must walk hand in hand, and that our responsibility extends to all corners of our adopted home.”— Akshata Sawant, Event Head, Maharashtrian Mandal