Nomad festival kicks off
December 27, 2009: The first Nomadic festival organized by the government kicked off amid special inauguration ceremony attended by Agriculture Minister Dr Pema Gyamtsho at Wangchuck Centennial Park in Bumthang.
Brokpas from Merak-Sakteng perform a traditional dance
Senior government officials, members of parliament and tourist as well graced the festival on the first day. The first day of festival attracted over a thousand visitors from different parts of the country.
The festival aims at facilitating interaction among the Nomad communities and share their experiences and problems during their first congregation. The festival has give platform for learning cultures and social practices of these various groups.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Minister Gyamtsho said, “Nomadic festival will be a tourism culture and make the nomads feel proud of themselves and their culture, and also make them the partner in conserving the environment.” He assured government support for young people to on hygiene so as to attract tourist towards food products from these communities.
Director of Forest Department Karma Drukpa expressed hope that such festivals would help promote the conservation ethics within the park and also in future ecotourism-related activities.
Nomads form eight districts showcased their products besides stall of the Ministry of Agriculture with displays to educate people on the importance of environment, proper collection, drying and handling of the cordyceps and medicinal herbs.
The Nomads performed their dances and showed their cultures to visitors and tourists – though not as many as they were expected. The number is expected to grow during the remaining two days of the festival.
A total of 90 nomads groups from Haa, Paro, Thimphu, Gasa, Wangduephodrang, Bumthang, Trashi Yangtse and Trashigang are participating in the festival.
Chhokortoe valley in Bumthang at an altitude of about 2800m is considered as one of the most scenic valleys in Bhutan. With many sacred religious sites and festivals, Chhokortoe is also one of the more popular valleys with tourists. The valley is the exit point of the popular snowman trek particularly through Dhur Tshachu.