Trashi Yangtse is gearing up to host the Black-necked Crane Farewell Festival, with preparations in full swing in Bumdeling. Held as a gesture of gratitude to the cranes and to offer prayers for their safe return, the district will organise the two-day festival next week.
Each year, black-necked cranes arrive at their winter roosting grounds in Bumdeling in October.
This season, 49 cranes have spent nearly four months in the valley and are expected to return to Tibet in about a month. Before their departure, the local community will come together to bid them farewell and pray for their return next year.
This year, Trashi Yangtse plans to celebrate the festival on a larger scale on 5th and 6th February.
Infrastructure works, including a gallery, stalls, a bridge and toilet facilities, are nearing completion.
All structures have been built using locally available bamboo and wood.
Meanwhile, road levelling, electrification and site beautification works continue at full pace. Construction began earlier this month.
Bumdeling Gup Mani Dorji said, “Although Bumdeling is a remote area, it serves as an important crane roosting site and is rich in religious heritage. Therefore, the Department of Tourism, the district administration, and other agencies are working to promote the gewog by organising such programmes.”
Besides witnessing the revered black-necked cranes, considered holy birds and messengers from heaven for their grace, monogamous nature and longevity, visitors can explore and purchase locally-produced goods.
The festival will also showcase unique cultural performances from diverse communities and conclude with an entertainment night featuring popular Bhutanese artists.
The gup said, “After the programme, we will hand over all the structures constructed here. We will then formulate by-laws to ensure that the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, the gewog office, and the community can continue organising the festival every year without interruption.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Media, Creative Industry and Intellectual Property is also supporting the event.
The district is investing around Nu 7 M to develop infrastructure for the festival.
As the cranes prepare for their long journey back north, Bumdeling is coming together to celebrate a bond between nature, culture and community that has endured for generations.
Sonam Darjay, Tashi Yangtse
Edited by Sangay Chezom
