Thinley Namgay

In a celebration marking the first birth anniversary of Her Royal Highness (HRH) the Gyalsem, the Thimphu Tshechu Fair kicked off yesterday at the Clock Tower in Thimphu, with the opening day of the Tshechu festival. 

The three-day event is designed to highlight and promote Bhutan’s locally manufactured products, featuring a diverse range of offerings from across the country.

Organised by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) in collaboration with the Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs (BAOWE) and Pelden Enterprise Limited, the fair showcases 21 stalls displaying local arts and crafts, clothing, culinary delights, brewery products, and more.

A MoICE official said that the fair aims to boost entrepreneurship and foster inter-business networking while raising awareness of local products and encouraging preference for these products over imported goods.

“This fair is not only a celebration but also an opportunity to support local businesses and artisans,” said the official. “Our aim is to enhance public awareness about Bhutanese-made products and promote their value in the market.”

This year’s Tshechu Fair marks its second edition, following a successful debut last year.

The participants in the fair include representatives from cottage and small industries, startups, members from clusters and associations, artisans, and grassroots rural entrepreneurs, particularly women. Stalls are provided free of charge to the participants.

Kinzang Yeshi, who travelled from Trashigang to sell authentic Radhipa bura (silk) ghos and kiras, expressed optimism about increased sales this year.

“Last year, I sold more than half of the 50 ghos and kiras I brought. This year, I hope to sell out completely,” he said, adding that the prices of textiles range between Nu 20,000 and Nu 40,000, depending on the quality.

He expressed concern about the declining interest among the youth in learning the bura textile craft, which could threaten the tradition’s survival. “The craft of weaving bura textiles in Radhi is not as vibrant as it used to be,” he said. “It might totally disappear after my generation.”

Currently, 40 members in the village are involved in promoting bura textiles. 

Sonam Choden, representing Bhutan Blossoms, said that demand for Bhutan Blossoms’ products is commendable, as they also export to countries like Australia and Switzerland.

Bhutan Blossoms’ product range includes food products made from locally grown herbs, spices, teas, and edible flowers. “The fair is an opportunity for us to make our products more familiar to the public,” she said.

Entrepreneurs are hoping to make strong sales this time, driven by the influx of tourists and the festive atmosphere.

The event also featured a special celebration in honor of HRH the Gyalsem’s birth anniversary, including a birthday party for 108 children from Thimphu schools and cultural performances by local students.

MoICE Minister Namgyal Dorji attended the fair as the chief guest.