Coinciding with the Royal Wedding Anniversary, Ka Ja Throm in Paro has opened to the public. It was inaugurated by the Prime Minister this morning. Located beside the Ugyen Pelri Palace grounds in Tshongdue, the throm serves as a Farmer’s Market for Paro, until construction of the permanent Farmer’s Market is completed.
Initiated upon the Royal Command, and as a gift from His Majesty The King to the people of Paro, the Ka Ja Throm has been built so that vendors can showcase and sell their produce in a vibrant community space.
“I am overjoyed with the new look of our vegetable market. We are very grateful. There are storage facilities where we can store our goods as well. In the past, us coming from far-flung places, and we do not get a decent place to display our goods. Now, it will not be a problem,” said Tshering Denkar, a local vendor of Lungnyi Gewog.
“For the past year, I had to sell my vegetables in the town area where we often land up arguing with officials who wouldn’t allow us to do that. Now things are likely to change I am very happy,” said Phuntsho Wangmo, another local vendor from Doteng Gewog.
“We are optimistic that our business will go well as the country is now open to tourists. In the past, not pleased with waste spilt all over the market area, tourists would return from the gate. Now this will not be the case. I am sure they will come to buy our goods,” said Tenzin Yuden, a vendor.
“It is convenient for customers like us now because there are designated stalls and we know what to buy from which stall,” said Chencho, a visitor.
The Farmer’s Market has 147 stalls for vegetables, fruits, meat and other local farm produce, and food and drinks. A children’s park and an open-air live-band stage are also part of the Paro Ka Ja Throm.
The market is envisioned to be a lively public space for families and visitors to enjoy, while also showcasing the best of Paro’s local produce.
The management will organise regular live performances at the venue, alongside food and drinks stalls managed by DeSuups from the DeSuung Skilling Programme Culinary training.
“It is not about buying vegetables only. For locals, it would allow us to improve our physical and mental well-being. Similarly, we can come to the throm for leisure, to meet loved ones and try something new to eat. And for tourists, we have to give them a platform or options, something new, unlike the usual itinerary,” said Prime Minister, Dr Lotay Tshering.
The Ka Ja Throm is part of an overall initiative to enhance the beauty and vitality of Paro town.
The Paro greening initiative is carried out by the Paro District Administration with support from The Royal Academy Construction Project team, regional offices, the District Court, and the people of Paro.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
Edited by Phub Gyem
