As part of the build-up programme for the 115th National Day, several activities are being held across the country. The activities including outdoor food stalls, exhibitions and entertainment programmes have started attracting many people and are helping promote local businesses that were affected by the COVID pandemic. In this report, we will look at how a few districts outside the capital have already started celebrating the national day.
In Samtse, the establishment of various outdoor food stalls and musical performances are setting up a festive mood in the region. The four-day event started on Wednesday and it is being held every night from 7 PM to 12 AM.
“Not much is happening in Samtse these days. As soon as it is evening, most shops are closed. However, with the conduct of such events, we expect to help restaurant and bar owners make a good income. And also keep the residents entertained,” said Pasang Dorji, Samtse Dzongda.
Businessmen, mostly restaurant and bar owners seemed happy and feel salvaged given the poor business caused by limited customers visiting their shops these days.
“I am very much thankful to the district administration and the business community here for organising such events. When we compare doing normal business and setting up stalls here, our business has improved a lot in the last few days. We are also getting a good number of customers here,” said Sita Gurung, a restaurant owner.
“Since the border gate reopening, we have been losing most of our customers to the nearby bordering towns. Such events are helping us attract more customers and it is helping our businesses grow as well,” said Neela Kumari Mongar, another restaurant owner.
Given the good results and feedback, the Samtse district administration now plans to organise such events regularly.
Likewise, an entrepreneur fair was also held today as part of the build-up programme for National Day.
And similar kinds of programmes are underway in most of the districts.
In Pema Gatshel, the food fair and local products exhibition started yesterday. The local products include cotton textiles, jaggery, ground nut oil and religious items.
“In our village, not many know about our products. But when we display the textiles on such a platform, others also know about our tradition. Since we don’t get a chance to showcase such products on other days, I am grateful to have this opportunity,” said Namkha Wangmo, a farmer.
“Everyone comes here to see how we make jaggery from sugarcane. And they are saying that considering the hard work, the price is worth it,” said Norbu Tshering, another farmer.
And in Paro, the shopkeepers have set up stalls in the street. They are selling food, garments and toys, and an entertainment programme will be organised tomorrow.
“The COVID-19 pandemic affected the business. Now we are happy as our business is back to normal. It is a great opportunity for us as we can come together to celebrate the national day,” said Ugyen Tshomo, a shopkeeper in Paro.
“I didn’t see such a kind of setting in the past. I am from Soe, a highlander. Due to the pandemic, in the last two years, we couldn’t even visit the shops. It was a difficult time for both highlanders and those who resided in towns. I am happy we can celebrate this year’s national day in person without the COVID restrictions,” said Rinchen, a customer.
While the celebrations will continue across the country, the main event for the 115th National Day will be celebrated at Changlimithang in Thimphu.
Passang Dorji/Thinley Dorji/Namgay Wangchuk
Edited by Tshering Zam
