After a hiatus of three years, the Bhutan Echoes- Drukyul’s Literature Festival has returned, illuminating the literary landscape once again. This year, the three-day event kicked off today offering a platform for aspiring writers, youth and other individuals to gather and celebrate the power of words and creativity. Her Majesty the Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck graced the festival. Last year, the festival was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the festival, Her Majesty the Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck shared insights into her book titled “Dochula: A Spiritual Abode in Bhutan.”
The book documents the Druk Wangyel complex, which comprises the Lungchutse Lhakhang, the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang, and the Druk Wangyel Tshechu. Within its pages, the book pays homage to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the brave armed forces for their role in safeguarding the country in 2003.
This year, the festival which is being held in the capital attracted a vibrant gathering of students, Bhutanese and international artists and literature enthusiasts.
“What’s significant about the festival today is that it’s the first live edition being held after many years of being isolated at home when the world was being ravaged by covid 19,” said Sonam Wangmo Dukpa, Director of Bhutan Echoes.
The three-day event will cover various topics such as artificial intelligence, literature and arts, leadership lessons, visual storytelling, India-Bhutan friendship, artistic expressions, and revitalizing cultural landscapes and landmarks.
“It feels particularly special, emotional. I feel that the theme ‘reviving and reconnecting’ is apt, as we need to reconnect to what makes us Bhutanese. We need to revive certain thoughts and ideas. We need to challenge ourselves to think outside of the box and also to celebrate the power of words,” said Sonam Wangmo Dukpa.
Bhutan Echoes, Drukyul’s literature festival is celebrating its 12th year since its launch in 2010 through the Bhutan-India initiative.
Her Majesty the Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck is the Royal patron.
Tshering Deki
