CHONEY ZANGMO
Panbang
The first edition of the Manas Winter Fest is being held in Panbang, Zhemgang.
The two-day festival which commenced yesterday aims to showcase local culture, adventure opportunities, and economic potential of the region while promoting sustainable tourism.
The festival is a tribute to His Majesty The King’s birthday and aligns with the government’s goal of economic revival and rural development.
The event will bring together four gewogs and 20 chiwogs, allowing locals to exhibit their organic produce, traditional crafts, and cultural performances.
The festival is also expected to attract visitors from across Bhutan and abroad, offering them a glimpse into the unique and natural beauty of Panbang.
Panbang, situated within the Royal Manas National Park, is a biodiversity hotspot with rich cultural traditions.
Locals have spent weeks preparing for the festival, constructing bamboo stalls with banana-leaf roofs to showcase age-old handicrafts, agricultural tools, household items, and indigenous cuisine.
The initiative provides local farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs a platform to promote their work while contributing to the region’s economy.
The festival will also feature cultural performances, including traditional songs, dances, and an open talent hunt for local youth. Organizers hope that these performances will encourage cultural exchange while keeping Bhutanese traditions alive.
For adventure seekers, the festival will highlight eco-tourism activities such as white-water rafting, fly fishing, bird watching, and eco-trail hiking in the stunning Manas region.
Tourists will also have the opportunity to explore Panbang’s twin waterfalls, the historic Tingbu Raja archaeological site, the Tiger Center, and the Nishioka Suspension Bridge.
Local shop owners are optimistic about the festival’s potential to boost business and bring financial opportunities to Panbang. Many believe that an increase in visitors will lead to higher sales for locally made products, food items, and crafts.
Sonam Zangmo, a vendor selling locally sourced bamboo crafts, believes that the event will not only increase sales but also help expand her customer base beyond Panbang.
Karma Wangdi, who runs a small eatery, has been preparing a special menu featuring organic Bhutanese cuisine for the event. He is hopeful that the festival will attract food enthusiasts looking for authentic local flavors.
Locals in Panbang believe that the festival will help establish the region as a key tourist destination, bringing long-term economic benefits.
In addition, many are also hopeful that the event will draw both domestic and international visitors, creating business opportunities for local vendors and service providers.
They also see the festival as a chance to promote sustainable tourism while preserving their traditional way of life.
The Drangpon of Zhemgang District emphasized that the festival plays a crucial role in cultural preservation and economic resilience.
He highlighted that such events support rural livelihoods by promoting local products, skills, and traditions, ensuring that Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage is passed down to future generations.
The festival is being organized by Zhemgang District and Dungkhag administration with funding from the government. The Department of Tourism has also extended an open invitation to adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts, and nature lovers to experience the vibrant offerings of the Royal Manas Winter Fest.
Manas Winter Fest is set to be a landmark event, bringing together culture, adventure, and local enterprise to showcase the hidden potential of Panbang as a key tourism destination.
The festival promises to be a remarkable blend of culture, nature, and adventure, creating lasting memories for visitors while boosting local businesses.
With the strong support of the government and the local community, this festival is expected to set a new benchmark for tourism and economic development in Panbang.
