Yangyel Lhaden
Bhutan’s premier literature festival, Bhutan Echoes: Drukyul’s Literature and Arts Festival (DLAF) 2024, is all set to commence this Saturday, offering a vibrant celebration of Bhutan’s and the world’s rich literary, cultural, and artistic traditions.
Co-founded by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck as a Bhutan-India initiative, DLAF has been a vibrant platform for cultural exchange since 2010, supported by the India-Bhutan Foundation and the Indian Embassy.
Over the past 14 years, the festival has attracted curious and creative minds worldwide with its engaging blend of literature, art, and storytelling. By showcasing local literary and artistic talents alongside renowned international voices, Bhutan Echoes celebrates the country’s rich heritage while embracing global perspectives.
This year’s theme ‘Enlighten, Evolve, and Evoke’ invites participants to embark on a journey of exploration and personal growth, encouraging deep reflection on Bhutan’s timeless literary and artistic traditions while fostering a spirit of positive transformation and global connection.
“There were three words that came to mind this year as we began developing our theme—Enlighten, Evolve, and Evoke,” an official with DLAF said. “Our thought process for this year was that we needed the program of the festival to reflect our cultural heritage, which is deeply intertwined with Vajrayana Buddhism, while also engaging in deep discussions and evoking dialogue on the changes all around us, within the country and outside of it.”
What sets DLAF apart is its ability to attract renowned literary figures from around the world. This year’s speakers at DLAF come from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.
“The sessions have been curated such that these international and Bhutanese speakers discuss a variety of global and regional issues in a local context,” the official said.
Participants can look forward to insights from Bhutanese filmmaker and novelist Thukten Yeshi, author of ‘Monk Without Dharma’, Indian journalist and author Roopa Pai, known for her award-winning bestseller ‘The Gita for Children’, Korean author and translator Anton Hur, shortlisted for the prestigious 2022 International Booker Prize, and Swedish professor Micael Dahlén, ranked among the top researchers by the Journal of Advertising.
Some discussions and talks at the event include ‘Future of Water: A Shared Responsibility’ with Mridula Ramesh and Tenzin Wangmo, ‘Economy, Consumerism, and Wellbeing: A Mindful Approach’ with Micael Dahlén and Sangay Tshering, and ‘Women in Leadership: Lessons from Social Entrepreneurship’ with Stacey Edgar and Dorji Ohm, among a host of others.
The festival lineup promises to inspire, educate, and entertain, according to the DLAF press release.
A series of panel discussions are also set to be held, on topics such as ‘What do Women Writers Write About?’ and ‘What It Means to be Bhutanese: Navigating Identity in the Digital Age’. Participants can also take part in immersive workshops, including the ‘Flamenco Dance Workshop’, ‘The Art of Writing’, and ‘Paper Play’ led by passionate instructors.
Festival goers can also attend book readings by popular authors and watch films from around the world.
These workshops will be held at various locations, including The Pema Hotel, Thimphu Deluxe, NWCC, and Bodhiste. The three-day DLAF will conclude on Monday. Entry is free for all participants.