Phuentshogling town in Chhukha becomes a hub for various mega entertainment programmes every winter. Among them is the Family Night Out event that debuted in the town. The event conducted over the last two nights not only benefitted people in the district by promoting agricultural produce, tourism and local businesses but also entertained thousands of people.
For the last two nights, the Phuentshogling town donned a different look. Family Night Out event held at Zangdopelri and adjoining areas exuded a different ambience.
The roads in those areas were closed to traffic. Stalls selling different local produce, fruits and vegetables, and varieties of foods were installed. Right in the middle of the road was a big stage where various entertainment programmes were performed.
On both nights, thousands of people gathered to witness the spectacle and indulge in culinary delights and beverages. Moreover, the event turned out to be a greater benefit for the locals who were there to sell farm produce and agricultural products.
“The event has helped us a lot. No matter how many local products we can produce, there is an issue of finding market. However, this event has provided us with a platform where we can sell the products,” said Sangay Wangmo, a farmer from Maedtakha Gewog.
Sonam Rinchen, a farmer from Dungna Gewog said, “Firstly, there is entertainment, then there is this opportunity for people to get fresh vegetables and farm produce. For us farmers, this is helpful. If it is just the stalls, many people may not turn up. However, with the entertainment programmes, many came thereby we could sell our products well”
“If it’s just the stalls, people may not be interested. But there are entertainment programmes as well. So, people come to have fun and at the same time, they buy the products,” said Rinchen Norbu, a volunteer at the event.
Themed “Agri-Tourism and Chhukha Diversity Fest”, the event served the purpose of entertaining people, exhibiting products from Chhukha, and promoting tourism.
“Phuentshogling is known to be a commercial hub but in reality, it is not. People say they are going to Phuentshogling for shopping and business-related work, but when they reach here, it is not here in Phuentshogling, but outside in our neighbouring country. We cannot compete with them in terms of price and variety. Therefore, we have to take a different approach,” said Kelzang, the Regional Secretary of the BCCI Regional Office in Phuentshogling.
The event was organised by the BCCI regional office, Agricultural Marketing Facilitation Office, Phuentshogling Thromde with support from various relevant agencies. Officials are now planning to conduct the event quarterly on various themes.
Kinley Dem
Edited by Sangay Chezom
