TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The 2024 Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival is set to begin on Saturday (Oct. 5).

This year’s festival features various interpretations of the Indian epic Ramayana through performances. The story originated in India and spread to Southeast Asia and beyond, becoming a shared cultural heritage and symbol of common values for many regional countries, the India Taipei Association (ITA) said. Performers from India, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Taiwan will present unique perspectives and artistic expressions of this classic Indian epic. 

The festival will be held at the National Center for Traditional Arts in Yilan and is supported by ITA, the Malaysian Friendship and Trade Center, and the Thailand Trade and Economic Office. It will run until Oct. 13. 

The Ramayana follows Prince Rama of Ayodhya who is exiled to the forest for 14 years with his wife, Sita. Near the end of their exile, Sita is abducted by the demon king Ravana. Rama musters an army of monkeys with the help of Hanuman and defeats Ravana to rescue his wife. Upon their return, the villagers light lamps to welcome their king. This tradition eventually became Diwali, India's most important festival. 

In Thailand, the national epic Ramakien is derived from the Ramayana and is a cornerstone of classical Thai culture, ITA said. Bangkok’s Grand Palace also features murals depicting the story. 

In Indonesia, Ramayana is a source of moral guidance in Javanese and Balinese cultures. It is often performed through shadow puppetry. Cambodia’s Khmer version, Reamker, is depicted on the bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat. 

The character Sun Wukong (孫悟空) is believed to be a distant relative of Hanuman, as both stories mention fighting against demons. 

The Ramayana is a bridge connecting the diverse cultural traditions of Asia, ITA said. “Through these artistic expressions, people can celebrate this shared heritage while highlighting the enduring power of this epic across millennia.”