𝐇𝐚𝐚 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲

…𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆-𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒔, 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔

By Kinzang Lhamo

The Haa Spring Festival, a vibrant annual event in western Bhutan, concluded its three-day celebration on April 9, 2025, drawing locals and visitors from across the country. Organized by the Haa Dzongkhag Administration, the festival highlighted the region’s cultural richness while providing economic opportunities through the promotion of local food, crafts, and performances.

Held at the designated festival grounds, the event showcased the distinct traditions of Haa’s six gewogs and one thromde. Each community presented local delicacies, garments, and handicrafts. Popular dishes such as hoentey (buckwheat dumplings), phillu, and khethu not only offered visitors a taste of Haa’s culinary heritage but also served as a source of income for local residents.

Traditional mask dances and folk songs captivated the audience, many of whom spent weeks preparing for the performances. For locals, the festival was an opportunity to preserve and promote Bhutanese traditions.
Sonam Dema, a local stall owner, emphasized the cultural and health value of traditional food. She said, “It was a meaningful experience to take part in the festival and share the unique dishes of Haa, all made from organic vegetables. I prepared five traditional foods passed down by our ancestors’ recipes that reflect our culture and promote healthy living.”

She also pointed to the need for improved scheduling to enhance participation and economic returns. “Going forward, I hope such festivals can be scheduled on weekends or during non-peak periods. When several events coincide, it affects the turnout, and for us locals, fewer visitors mean less income. A better-timed festival would benefit everyone involved.”

This year’s festival introduced several organizational improvements, including an open tender system for engaging workers and service providers. The system ensured transparency and fair competition, contributing to cost-effectiveness and improved service quality.

In addition to its cultural significance, the festival is increasingly seen as a platform for economic development. The Haa Dzongkhag Administration has announced plans to construct an ecological park on eight acres of land. The proposed park aims to serve as a year-round venue for cultural events and eco-tourism, promoting sustainable development and continuous income-generating opportunities for the local population.

The event also featured traditional sports and games. Tshering Nima, winner of the shot put competition, spoke of his sense of accomplishment. He said, “Winning first place in shot put at the Haa Spring Festival was truly unforgettable. All the effort and discipline I put in finally came together, and hearing my name as the winner filled me with pride and happiness. It wasn’t just about the medal- it was about challenging myself, staying committed, and having faith in what I could achieve.”

Nim Dorji, a local artisan, underlined the festival’s role in both cultural preservation and local livelihood. “The Haa Spring Festival is one of the most important annual events for the people of Haa. It plays a vital role in preserving our culture and customs. What makes it special is that it brings together a variety of traditional foods from different gewogs across Haa,” he said.

He also advocated for more participation from highland communities. “One change I would like to see is more highlanders actively participating. After all, this festival is mainly for us. Sadly, many stay back for various reasons. But I truly feel that the government is taking good initiatives and offering us real opportunities to earn and grow. We just need to step forward and make the most of it,” he concluded.

For Norbu, a first-time visitor, the festival left a lasting impression. “I had a wonderful experience at the Haa Spring Festival. The traditional clothes were vibrant and beautifully made, and the variety of local food from different gewogs was truly impressive,” he said. “I enjoyed the yak butter tea, horse riding, and exploring handcrafted ornaments. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the heritage of Haa.”

Dorji Yangki, another attendee, praised the event’s efforts to preserve culture while calling for greater youth engagement. “The Haa Spring Festival has been an incredible experience. It’s inspiring to see how our culture is being preserved and promoted through food, crafts, and performances,” she said. “What I hope to see in the future is even greater participation from our younger generation and highlanders. Their involvement is key to keeping these traditions alive.”

The decision to shift the festival from summer to spring proved effective, aligning better with the agricultural schedules of local farmers. The milder spring weather also contributed to a more comfortable experience for visitors and participants alike, leading to a higher turnout.

New additions-such as a permanent stage and the recognition of Haa as a high-end fly-fishing destination- signal the festival’s growing importance in Bhutan’s sustainable tourism landscape.

As the Haa Spring Festival continues to evolve, it not only celebrates Bhutanese culture but also strengthens local economies, encouraging community participation and shared identity. With sustained support from the government and active community engagement, the festival is positioned to become a key cultural and economic highlight in Bhutan’s annual calendar.