Monpas are considered as the earliest inhabitant of Bhutan. Other indigenous communities from Ada-Rukha in Wangduephodrang and Lhops from Samtse also attended the event.
A resident, Lhajay, said that dedicating a day for them could help in reviving and retaining their unique culture, as modernisation is changing their lives.
He said that youth are no longer showing interest in wearing their traditional dress known as ‘pagay’. “Unavailability of raw materials is adding to the problem. Most people now wear gho and kira from imported materials.”
Meanwhile, Tarayana Foundation in collaboration with Trongsa dzongkhag, Folk Heritage, Tourism Council of Bhutan, Travel Trust and Yangphel organised the event.
The chief executive officer of Yangphel, Karma Lotey, said the event was organised to preserve the culture and tradition of Monpa community, develop tourism in the locality and help the community.
Tarayana Foundation will organise the event from next year on December 10.
Nim Dorji | Trongsa
Kuensel, December 11, 2019
Anthropology of Bhutan 