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The Ministry of Culture in Bangkok, Thailand hopes to harness the power of
Hip-Hop to encourage Thai youth to be more active in the Buddhist religion.
According to The Vice Minister for Culture Weerasak Kowsurat, the
government will organize a concert on February 23 that will introduce a new
genre of rap called “Dhamma Rap.”
Dhamma is defined as reality and truth in Buddhism.
The genre of music will focus on Buddhist religious principles, including
sharing and being compassionate, while shunning violent and misogynist
lyrics.
The government selected February 23 to host the concert and introduce the
new genre because the date is a special day for Buddhists, who will
celebrate “Makabucha Day.”
The day is a Buddhist holiday which takes place annually on the night of
the full moon during the third lunar month of the year. The day honors Lord
Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death.
Thai officials hope the day will compete with popular holidays such as
Valentines Day.
The concert and introduction of “Dhamma Rap” is part of a broader
campaign being spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of
Social Development and Human Services.
The aim is to bring Thai’s youth, who are becoming increasingly
westernized, back to the country’s native culture and religion. |