Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay visited India Mela 2026 in Thimphu, exploring Indian arts, handicrafts, traditional products and cuisine. The event celebrated India-Bhutan friendship through cultural performances, exhibitions, food stalls and activities highlighting strong people-to-people connections.
Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay attended the India Mela 2026 in Thimphu, celebrating the longstanding friendship between India and Bhutan through cultural performances, traditional handicrafts, Indian cuisine and diverse product exhibitions.
During his visit, Prime Minister Tobgay toured various stalls showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship, regional products and business offerings. India’s Embassy in Bhutan shared details of his participation through posts on social media platform X on Sunday, highlighting the importance of the event in strengthening bilateral relations and people-to-people connections.
In a post, the Indian Embassy said that Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay graced the India Mela alongside India’s Ambassador to Bhutan, Sandeep Arya. The exhibition featured a wide range of Indian products, including traditional handicrafts, textiles, cosmetics, handmade soaps, skincare products, travel packages and logistics services.
A major attraction of the exhibition was the collection of One District One Product (ODOP) offerings representing India’s diverse regional craftsmanship. These included traditional Shitalpati crafts from Cooch Behar, beautiful Thangka paintings from Sikkim and intricately hand-carved wooden products.
The Embassy expressed appreciation for the enthusiastic response from visitors, noting that the exhibition provided an opportunity for Bhutanese people to explore India’s traditional arts, regional specialities and commercial products.
Food stalls and cultural programmes added to the festive atmosphere of the event. According to the Embassy, food stalls organised by nurses from JDWNRH Hospital, teachers from Royal Thimphu College, DANTAK and other participants offered visitors a variety of Indian culinary experiences.
The celebrations also featured several entertainment and interactive activities, including a Bollywood dance workshop, a magic show by YansMagic and a creative painting workshop organised by VAST Bhutan. Indian and Bhutanese artists jointly presented musical performances, while fun games attracted visitors of different age groups.
The Mela was inaugurated in the presence of several senior Bhutanese leaders and government representatives. Those attending included National Assembly Speaker Tempa Dorji, National Council Chairperson Sangay Dorji, Foreign Affairs Minister Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel, Finance Minister Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, Industry, Commerce and Employment Minister Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, and Agriculture and Livestock Minister Lyonpo Younten Phuntsho. India’s Ambassador to Bhutan, Sandeep Arya, was also present.
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The Embassy highlighted the enthusiastic participation of both Bhutanese and Indian communities, with visitors enjoying cultural performances, music, dance, traditional handicrafts and Indian food.
The festivities concluded with a collective lamp-lighting ceremony symbolising friendship, warmth and togetherness between the two neighbouring countries.
The India Mela 2026 served as a platform for cultural exchange, regional product promotion and community engagement, reflecting the close relationship between India and Bhutan. Through shared cultural experiences and commercial interactions, the event further highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral friendship and people-to-people ties.
