The Royal Highland festival was first introduced in 2016 to celebrate the birth of HRH the crown prince Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel and 400 years of Zhabdrung Rinpoche, Bhutan’s founding father.
The festival showcases the beauty, wonders, history, and age-old traditions and culture of the Gasa district, promoting Gasa’s vision of “Good to Great Gasa” and sharing the authenticity and simplicity of Highlanders’ lives with guests.
During the festival, visitors can witness the traditional offering of Buelwa (Gift offering) with Auley, a traditional epic poem/song recitation tradition originating from Zhabdrung’s days. This offering shows loyalty and respect by the Laya community for the dynamic and visionary leadership of our successive monarchs.
The festival also includes cultural programs performed by Layaps, traditional song and dance competitions, and various contests featuring highland animals such as yaks, horses, and mastiffs.
