The Handicrafts Association of Bhutan made a remarkable impact during the 3rd Bhutan Bird Festival conducted in Tingtibi, Zhemgang from November 13 to 15, 2023. Collaborating closely with the Zhemgang dzongkhag, HAB conducted an exhibition highlighting the art of Drumdhen (carpet) weaving and presented a diverse array of cane and bamboo lampshade products. The primary goal behind this endeavor was to champion and boost the visibility of locally crafted items at this festival.
At the core of our participation lay the objective to showcase and endorse the exquisite art of weaving. Throughout the three-day event, our exhibition stall attracted diverse visitors, including Dzongkhag officials, community members, tourists, media representatives, bloggers, and photographers. Our display specifically highlighted the traditional craftsmanship of local artisans from Chengarzam, Zhemgang, unveiling the intricate Drumdhen (carpet) weaving technique and intricately crafted bamboo lampshades.
The showcase featured the skilled artisans of Chengarzam who adeptly demonstrated the meticulous weaving process, drawing accolades for their refined craftsmanship. Their dedication to the traditional art form resonated strongly with the attendees, marking a testament to Bhutan’s rich heritage.
This festival served as a pivotal market test for traditional carpets, fostering connections between the weavers and potential buyers. Notably, Zhemgang District, local hoteliers, and individuals expressed a profound interest in our products. A few enamored tourists were captivated by the finesse of Drumdhen weaving artistry, leading to multiple purchases of these beautiful carpets.
“Our heritage is woven into each thread of our carpets. The festival was an incredible platform to showcase the essence of our culture and tradition. Witnessing visitors appreciate our craftsmanship reaffirmed our belief in preserving this ancestral art.” shared Tshering Lham, one of the Drumdhen weavers from Chengarzam.
Another artisan, Jampel Lhamo, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are thankful to the Handicrafts Association of Bhutan for providing us with such a platform to showcase our work. It was an invaluable opportunity for us to exhibit our local products. We managed to sell a substantial number of carpets and even received orders totaling Nu. 500k”
The Handicrafts Association of Bhutan takes pride in the success achieved at the 3rd Bhutan Bird Festival. We are deeply grateful for the immense support and enthusiasm displayed by all who visited our stall and showed interest in our artisans’ creations.