- By Supratik Das
- Sun, 24 Aug 2025 01:16 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ganesh Chaturthi Facts 2025: With Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 approaching, preparations are in full swing across India. Streets in cities like Mumbai and Pune are filled with decorations. Artisans are putting finishing touches on colorful idols, and they are setting up pandals. For many, the image of gigantic Ganesh idols in India is equated with the festival. But what's unexpected, the world's tallest Lord Ganesha statue is not located in India. It stands tall in Thailand, in Chachoengsao Province. It attracts followers and visitors from all over the world.
World's Tallest Ganesha Idol In Thailand
The World's tallest Ganesha idol is at the Khlong Khuean Ganesh International Park in Thailand. It was finished in 2012 after four years of construction. The idol is an impressive 39 metres tall, about the height of a 12-storey building. Constructed from 854 bronze pieces, it is not only the tallest but also one of the heaviest Ganesha statues in the world, weighing over 1,000 tonnes. Standing upright makes this statue so unique compared to the more common seated images in India. Each of Ganesha's four hands holds an important symbol, a jackfruit for abundance, sugarcane for sweetness, a banana for nourishment, and a mango for wisdom.
The 39-meter-tall idol at Chachoengsao is more than just a statue. It is the main attraction of Khlong Khuean Ganesh Park, which has landscaped gardens, meditation halls, and smaller temples. Devotees visit not only to pray but also to relax in a peaceful atmosphere, away from the chaos of the city. The place has also turned into a must-visit destination for travelers, generating revenue for the local economy and reinforcing Thailand's reputation as a culturally and spiritually rich nation. Indians traveling to Thailand find that the park feels like a second home. Many add it to their travel plan, particularly during the time of Ganesh Chaturthi, when festivals, music, and ceremonies go on in full swing. The reflection of Thai devotees celebrating the festival with as much enthusiasm as in Mumbai or Pune is a reminder of Lord Ganesha’s universal appeal.
Bridge Between Hinduism And Buddhism
Lord Ganesha in Thailand is also known as PhraPhikanet. He is not only a remover of impediments but also the lord of arts, studies, and wisdom. His portrait is found in temples, schools, culture centers, and even along Bangkok streets. This religious worship is not new. According to history, Ganesha worship arrived in Southeast Asia centuries earlier via trade and cultural exchange. In the Khmer Empire, Hindu gods such as Ganesha were incorporated into traditional ways of life. Afterwards, Thai monarchs continued to encourage his worship. King Vajiravudh (1910–1925) especially promoted Ganesha's significance, setting up shrines in his palace and bestowing the deity with a royal seal of approval.
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To most Buddhists in Thailand, Ganesha's virtues reflect their own. As the god of intelligence and prosperity, Ganesha is worshiped by students, artists, and businesspeople. People often offer fruit and sweets while praying for success and guidance. Ganesha also appears in Mahayana Buddhism, where he is associated with Vinayaka, the deity. The mix of Southeast Asian cultures has allowed Hinduism and Buddhism to exist together and influence each other over the years.
Global Face Of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi may have started in India, but the celebrations have expanded beyond its borders. From the beaches of Mauritius to temples in America, Lord Ganesha is honored as a universal god. The 39 metres tall statue symbolises wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune for everyone.
As India gets ready for the festival this year, devotees can feel proud. The spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi is alive and thriving not just at home, but also in places like Thailand. There, a bronze giant of Lord Ganesha watches over the land, reminding everyone of the values of abundance, knowledge, and strength.