Laya is ready to host the 8th Royal Highland Festival tomorrow, with thousands of visitors having arrived over the past few days. The two-day annual festival celebrates the rich culture, traditions, and livelihoods of the country’s highland communities.
Tents woven from thick wool stand in neat circles around the Langothang event ground, nestled on the lap of Geza-La and overlooking the breathtaking Laya village. The picturesque setting is alive with colour and anticipation as preparations near completion for the much-awaited Royal Highland Festival.
Highlanders from ten districts have gathered, bringing with them the essence of rugged highlands, their culture, craftsmanship, and way of life.
Their stalls, now ready, will display a wide range of regional products, from handwoven textiles and yak dairy goods to artisanal crafts.
To beautify the village and enhance its resilience against changing weather patterns, most houses in Laya now feature striking green roofs. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these roofs help reduce glare for helicopters and drones.
Today, performers and participants held their final rehearsal at the festival ground, perfecting dances, songs, and ceremonial displays for tomorrow’s grand opening.
More than a thousand people are expected to gather, locals, visitors, and dignitaries alike.
Organisers say the two-day festival will feature a diverse array of traditional events, including indigenous games, horse races, and animal parades, along with showcases of highland cuisine and local products. The festivities will not only highlight the enduring spirit of highlanders but also provide a platform for various government and private agencies to present innovations that support and sustain highland livelihoods.
A 25-kilometre “Laya Run” will mark the start of the festival on the first day, beginning from Pongchothang and finishing at the Langothang festival ground.
Changa Dorji, Gasa
Edited by Sangay Chezom
