Festivals

February 21st commemorates the lives sacrificed during the political movement in 1952 that advocated the recognition of the Bengali language as the official language of Bangladesh, which was then a dominion of Pakistan whose government imposed the state language of Urdu. To honor the martyrs, each year government officials and the public lay wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar in front of the Medical College and Hospital of Dhaka, the location where the movement took place.

Celebrated annually on March 26th, Independence Day marks Bangladesh’s official separation and hard-won independence from Pakistan. Numerous events are held around the country including parades, fairs, concerts, ceremonies celebrating the history and traditions of Bangladesh. Main streets are decorated with national flags and Television and radio stations will broadcast special programs and patriotic songs

This three-day annual festival celebrates the nomadic communities in Bhutan as they gather together in the countryside of Bumthang to share their traditions and cultures. There is a ceremonial parade, traditional dances are performed and games are played. Crowds gather to cook, eat and socialize together and sell their products and crafts.

The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan and this two-day festival honors the creature, while celebrating the rich ecological heritage of the area. People travel from all around to Jigme Dorji National Park in Gasa, where they go on treks, bathe in the hot springs and watch the nomadic herders weaving with raw materials.

The annual festival at Punakha is of particular importance as the district is the winter home of the Abbot of Bhutan; it was introduced in order to preserve Buddhist teachings and traditions. Over three days, people make a pilgrimage to the district to hear the monks chanting scriptures and to watch the traditional historical dances.

This two-day celebration takes place in the Haa valley. Visitors come to the area to enjoy the traditions and culture of nomadic Bhutan, eat authentic food, and take part in traditional games as well as folk music and dancing. It is also an opportunity to see the indigenous alpine flowers and the Noblang, the sacred cattle of Haa.