His Royal Highness Gyaltshab Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and Ashi Yeatso Lhamo inaugurated the second Bathing Carnival at Telung in Nganglam, Pema Gatshel, today. More than a thousand people from nearby communities gathered for the three-day event, which celebrates local culture and promotes local products.His Royal Highness, accompanied by Ashi Yeatso Lhamo, was received in a Chipdrel procession.
First introduced last year, the Bathing Carnival brings together communities from Pema Gatshel and Mongar.
For local farmers, the event provides an opportunity to sell their produce and earn an income.
Jamyang Choden from Norbugang Gewog, Pema Gatshel, said the carnival allows farmers to sell their products without having to travel to places like Thimphu.
“We are farmers and cannot travel to places like Thimphu to sell our products. We are happy to take part in this event. It gives us an opportunity to sell our products and earn some income.”
Students also took part in the carnival through cultural performances and other activities.
Jamyang Seldon, a student of Nganglam Lower Secondary School, said the school participated in last year’s event with a dance performance and is taking part again this year.
“Our school participated in last year’s event with a dance performance. We are taking part again this year. We enjoy the activities and the different food items.”
The carnival also provides a platform for women to showcase and sell their handmade products.
Rinchen Zangmo from Saling Gewog, Mongar, said the event encourages women to continue weaving and display their work.
“This event gives us an opportunity to sell our products and earn an income. It also encourages us to weave more and showcase our handmade products.”
His Royal Highness also offered Tokha to the gathering.
The three-day carnival will feature live performances by Bhutanese artists every evening.
Sonam Darjay, Pema Gatshel
