First rhododendron festival in Meark concludes
NGAWANG JAMPHEL
Thimphu
His Majesty the King graced the closing ceremony of Rhododendron Week, held at Sheytemi in Merak gewog, Trashigang.
His Majesty was accompanied by His Royal Highness the Gyaltshab Jigme Dorji Wangchuck , the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader, and other government officials.
Bhutan’s first-ever Rhododendron Festival, held from April 3 to 9, attracted over 13,600 visitors during the course of the festival, including 71 international tourists and 88 regional tourists with 7000 visitors in the final day alone.
The successful week-long event marked a significant milestone in promoting sustainable tourism and celebrating Bhutan’s rich biodiversity in the eastern part of the country.
The closing ceremony saw the presence of His Majesty The King, who visited Sheytemi as part of his Royal Tour of the eastern dzongkhags. His presence was an important part of the event, making it even more special for the local community.
His Majesty’s visit added a sense of pride and excitement, and it further highlighted the importance of eco-tourism and sustainable development in Bhutan’s rural and remote areas.
The Rhododendron Festival was organized to promote eco-tourism, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods in the highland regions of Merak and Sakteng. It was held during the peak blooming season of the rhododendron, making it the perfect time to showcase these beautiful flowers.
The festival celebrated not only the stunning natural beauty of the region but also the unique cultural heritage of the Brokpa communities that call Merak and Sakteng home.
Merak is known for its stunning landscape, and it is home to 41 of Bhutan’s 46 rhododendron species. This makes it one of the best places in the world to witness the breathtaking blooms of these flowers.
Visitors were treated to spectacular views of hillsides and meadows blanketed in colorful rhododendron flowers, ranging from bright pinks to deep reds and soft whites. The beauty of the flowers was a central part of the event, but the festival offered much more than just beautiful scenery.
The festival was also an opportunity to showcase the rich culture of the Merak and Sakteng communities. Throughout the week, visitors had the chance to experience traditional arts, dances, music, clothing, and local cuisine.
The highland communities played an active role in the event. Many locals served as guides, hosts, and performers, sharing their knowledge about the environment, the local traditions, and their way of life.
“It’s amazing to be part of this festival. It’s not just about the flowers; it’s also about showing the world our way of life and our traditions,” said Sonam Tenzin, a local from Merak.
His words reflected the pride and enthusiasm of the community, who were happy to share their culture with visitors.
In addition to the rhododendrons and cultural displays, the festival also helped support local businesses. Artisans and entrepreneurs from the region set up stalls to sell highland products, such as handicrafts, food items, and even a specially introduced Rhododendron wine.
These local businesses benefited from the large number of visitors, helping boost the economy of the area.
“This festival is a great way for the people of Merak and Sakteng to showcase their talents and products. We’ve never had this many people visiting us before, and it’s been a wonderful experience,” said Jigme Dorji, a local who was selling handmade crafts at the festival.
The Rhododendron Festival was part of a larger project by the UNDP-GEF and the Royal Government of Bhutan, called Mainstreaming Biodiversity Conservation in Tourism Development.
The event was organized by the Trashigang Dzongkhag Administration and the Department of Tourism, with funding support from the Economic Stimulus Plan and the Small Development Projects of the Government of India.
This project aimed to highlight the importance of conservation while promoting sustainable tourism in some of Bhutan’s most pristine highland areas.
The festival was a chance for people to experience Bhutan’s natural beauty and culture in an authentic way. Local residents were central to the event, acting as guides and sharing their knowledge with visitors.
Their involvement in the festival also helped give guests a deeper understanding of the region’s ecological heritage and way of life.
“It’s amazing to see how this festival has grown and how it brings people together. It’s been great to meet so many visitors from all over Bhutan and beyond. We hope that this event continues to grow in the future,” said Tashi Wangmo, a local homestay owner in Merak.
For many visitors, the Rhododendron Festival provided a rare opportunity to connect with Bhutanese culture.
Pema Dorji, a Bhutanese visitor from Thimphu, shared: “We traveled all the way from Thimphu to witness the beauty of the rhododendrons, and it was definitely worth it. But what made the experience even more memorable was how welcoming and warm the local people were. Their hospitality made the visit so much more special.”
The event also had a significant impact on the local economy. Sales of local food, handicrafts, and other services, such as homestays and cultural performances, helped provide income for the region’s residents.
With the increased interest in the festival, many local businesses saw a boost, and there was a sense of optimism about the potential for future growth.
“This is the first time that such an event has been held here, and we’ve been able to showcase our culture and products to a wider audience. It’s been a great experience, and we’re looking forward to the future editions of the festival,” said Jigme Dorji, another local vendor.
The Rhododendron Festival is expected to become an annual event. Plans are already underway to gradually shift the ownership and management of the festival to the local community.
This move is expected to allow the people of Merak and Sakteng to take charge of organizing the festival, ensuring that they benefit from it long-term. By doing so, the festival will continue to support the economic growth of the region while preserving its natural and cultural heritage.
The closing day of the festival was made even more special by the visit of His Majesty The King. His Majesty interacted with the local community, joining in the celebrations and sharing in their pride.
“We’re so proud to share our land, our culture, and our traditions with visitors. We look forward to hosting even more people next year,” said Sonam Tenzin, a community member from Merak.
As the festival concluded and visitors departed from Sheytemi, many left with lasting memories of the stunning rhododendron blossoms, the warmth of the local community, and the unique traditions of the highland regions.
