The 20th Tarayana Fair was held from 29–31 May 2026 at Changyul Park, bringing together communities, partners, volunteers, artisans, farmers, students, and supporters from across Bhutan in a vibrant celebration of resilience, innovation, and community empowerment.
Commemorating 23 years of service by Tarayana Foundation, this year’s Fair was held under the theme, “Strengthening Climate Resilience and Economic Prosperity Through Community Empowerment and Innovation.”
The Fair was graciously inaugurated by Her Majesty Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Founding President of Tarayana Foundation, in the presence of His Eminence Vairochana Rinpoche Ngawang Jigme Jigten Wangchuck, Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, Excellencies, dignitaries, development partners, and community representatives from across the country.
In her keynote address, Her Majesty reflected on Tarayana Foundation’s humble beginnings, rooted in the spirit of volunteerism and the belief that ordinary people, working together with compassion and commitment, can create extraordinary change. Her Majesty highlighted how this spirit continues to thrive through Tarayana Clubs across Bhutan, nurturing a new generation of young people committed to service, compassion, and community leadership.
Her Majesty also expressed deep appreciation to the Desuups for their continued service to the nation and their unwavering support to Tarayana Foundation over the years.
This year’s Fair welcomed communities from sixteen dzongkhags, including first-time participants from Pemaling in Samtse, Samtenling in Sarpang, Maetakha in Chhukha, Saling in Mongar, and Bumdeling in Trashiyangtse. Through their stalls, the communities showcased locally produced textiles, handicrafts, organic produce, traditional foods, and innovative rural enterprises, reflecting the diversity, creativity, and cultural richness of rural Bhutan.
Beyond the marketplace, the Fair served as a platform for storytelling, learning, and celebrating community achievements. The event featured the launch of Tarayana Foundation’s Annual Report 2025 and Stories of Rural Transformation, cultural performances by students and community groups, and recognition of individuals and partners whose contributions have strengthened rural communities nationwide.
A particularly meaningful moment came on the second day of the Fair when Her Majesty granted an audience to community representatives. Community members shared firsthand accounts of transformation achieved through years of partnership with the Tarayana Foundation, citing improved access to water and housing, enhanced livelihood opportunities, and the growth of ecotourism initiatives. Their experiences underscored the enduring impact of Tarayana’s community-centered approach to sustainable development and empowerment.
Among them was Mr. Tshering Wangchuk Doya, owner of the Lhop Village Lodge in Jigme Village, Dophuchen Gewog, Samtse Dzongkhag, who spoke about the remarkable transformation of his community through gradual development interventions and growing tourism opportunities. His story reflected a broader message echoed throughout the Fair: that meaningful change happens when communities are empowered, supported, and given opportunities to thrive.
The three-day Fair generated more than Nu. 5 million in sales, providing direct income to participating communities while creating valuable market linkages and expanding opportunities for future growth. True to Tarayana Foundation’s commitment, every Ngultrum earned through the Fair went directly to the participating communities and producers.
As the Fair concluded, it stood not only as a celebration of achievements but also as a reminder of the power of collective action. For twenty-three years, Tarayana Foundation has journeyed alongside communities in some of Bhutan’s most remote regions, guided by the values of compassion, dignity, and service. The 20th Tarayana Fair reaffirmed that when communities are empowered and supported, transformation is possible, one family, one village, and one generation at a time.
Brand Naro Launched at the 20th Tarayana Fair
One of the major highlights of the 20th Tarayana Fair was the official launch of Brand Naro, a community-driven initiative designed to promote sustainable livelihoods and showcase the unique products and cultural identity of Naro Gewog’s highland communities.
The launch was inaugurated by Her Majesty Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Founding President of Tarayana Foundation, together with Mr. Mohammad Younus, Resident Representative of UNDP Bhutan.
Brand Naro has been developed under the project Protecting Fragile Mountain Systems and Enhancing Sustainable Livelihoods of Highland Communities in Naro Gewog, funded through the COMDEKS Programme and implemented by the GEF Small Grants Programme and UNDP in partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan.
Implemented by Tarayana Foundation in collaboration with Jigme Dorji National Park, the Department of Forests and Park Services, Tarayana Rural Crafts, Thimphu Dzongkhag Administration, and Naro Gewog Administration, the initiative seeks to strengthen community resilience, preserve cultural heritage, and create sustainable economic opportunities.
The launch celebrated the dedication of community groups, particularly the Aumtshu Tshogpa (Women’s Self-Help Group) and Ngomen Tshogpa (Non-Wood Forest Product Group), whose efforts have been instrumental in developing and promoting locally made products under the Brand Naro identity.
More than a product label, Brand Naro represents the stories, traditions, craftsmanship, and resilience of Bhutan’s highland communities and demonstrates how community-led enterprises can create sustainable pathways for rural development.
Celebrating Service from the Heart: Honouring Champions of Community Development
As part of the 20th Tarayana Fair, Tarayana Foundation paid tribute to four remarkable individuals whose dedication, expertise, and commitment have made a lasting difference in the lives of communities across Bhutan.
The recognition celebrated individuals whose work reflects the values of service, compassion, and partnership that have guided Tarayana Foundation for more than two decades.
Honoured during the event were:
Mr. Chenga Tshering, Principal Land Management Officer, National Soil Services Centre, for his significant contributions to sustainable land management, soil conservation, and climate-resilient agriculture.
Mr. Kaka, Principal Forestry Officer, Wangdue Forest Division, for his pioneering leadership in springshed management and Payment for Ecosystem Services initiatives that have strengthened community stewardship of natural resources.
Mr. Dorji Gyaltshen, Chief Programme Officer, Department of Water, for his technical leadership and steadfast support in watershed conservation and community-based water resource management.
Mr. Gado Tshering, Programme Officer at the Folk Heritage Museum under Tarayana Foundation, whose decade-long journey from intern to project manager reflects dedication, professional growth, and a deep commitment to preserving Bhutan’s cultural heritage and supporting rural transformation.
The recognition served as a reminder that lasting change is made possible by individuals who choose to serve with sincerity, humility, and purpose. Through their efforts, countless communities have gained opportunities, strengthened resilience, and improved their quality of life.
Their stories continue to inspire the next generation of community leaders and development practitioners working towards a more inclusive and sustainable Bhutan.
