Dechen Dolkar

Aptly capturing the beauty and bounty of blooming flowers, and the festivity and joy ushered in, the Haa Spring Festival has been thus named.

Earlier known as the Haa Summer Festival, the three-day festival, celebrated the valleys unique seasonal treasure revealed around this time of the year by the scenic expanse of unbroken grassland, dotted with lush vegetation, vibrant primulas, and blue pines besides the pristine Haachhu River.

The festival started on Sunday, April 7, at Yangthang Ground which earlier used to be held at Eusu gewog.

Haa in spring: The three-day spring festival celebrates the valleys unique seasonal treasures, the scenic expanse of unbroken grassland, dotted with lush vegetation, vibrant primulas, and blue pines besides the pristine Haachhu River

According to the dzongkhag administration, the name, Haa Spring Festival, perfectly captured the essence of the celebration, coinciding with the peak bloom of Haa’s diverse herbal and flower bounty. Additionally, spring ensured that the majestic yaks remained in the valley below, for all to see and admire.

The festival was also being organised to celebrate both the natural and cultural endowment of Haa Dzongkhag, while also creating an opportunity for the Dzongkhag to attract visitors.

The Haa dzongdag, Melam Zangpo, said that while summer holds undeniable beauty, unpredictable rainfall often disrupts the festival’s core themes.

“Spring, on the other hand, guarantees a season of uninterrupted celebration, solidifying Haa as a must-visit destination during this vibrant time,” the dzongdag said.

On the first day of the festival, about 50 international tourists visited the dzongkhag, and on the second day, about 20 of them were present.

The Dzongdag also said that more than 1,000 local tourists were also gathered during the first day of the festival.

The festival showcased local delicacies, agriculture and livestock products of each gewog. It displayed, Nublang, a unique species of Haa, Nya-goe competition, open cycle race, tug-of-war, horse riding for pleasure/photography, display of yaks for photography, traditional games, floral shows, cultural and shamanic performances, nature sightseeing, and mega entertainment.

The Dzongdag said that visitors get to enjoy the different local cuisines of Haa, as well as products from yak and also trout.

The minister for energy and natural resources, Gem Tshering, and members of parliament and local government representatives were also present at the festival.

The Haa Spring Festival will be held every year from April 7th to 9th.  The festival was started in 2011.